History

Courtney Blair, MSW, CMC, is the founder and care manager at Kiju Care Management, Inc. Courtney discovered her passion for working with seniors at an early age, while volunteering at an assisted living community in Pennsylvania. She loved talking to the residents and learning about world history through their personal life stories. Although she did not know at the time how her desire to work with the aging population would translate into a lifelong career, she became a psychology major in college, moved to California and earned her MSW from the University of California, Berkeley in 1996.

Fast forward 27 years: Courtney has worked in the gerontology field as a social worker and care manager in settings such as home health/hospice, nonprofit social service agencies, assisted living communities, and professional fiduciary practices. Along the way, she has made many connections with professionals near and far who assist in the care of older adults. From yoga therapists for the home-bound, to elder law attorneys, to world-renowned geriatricians and everyone in between, Courtney has cultivated relationships with many other like-minded compassionate “carers” to call on when building a top-notch support team for her clients.

Seeing the need for more geriatric care managers in the Bay Area, Courtney took the leap and started her own company, Kiju Care Management in January, 2020.

Education, Credentials, and Organizations

MSW, Gerontology track, University of California, Berkeley

CMC (Care Manager, Certified), Credentialed by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers

Member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Aging Specialty

Advanced Professional Member of the Aging Life Care Association

Certified to administer and score the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA)

What does kiju mean, you ask?

Kiju (KEY-joo) is a Japanese word that roughly translates to “rejoicing in a long life”. It is celebrated when an older adult turns 77 and has become synonymous with that age. The Japanese not only have the longest life expectancy in the world, they also revere and delight in their elders, as evident in the holiday Keiro No Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day. In her travels, Courtney has spent time in Japan and saw firsthand the pride, respect and love for seniors. She strives to exemplify this zeal in her care management practice.