Executive director of Elder Service Plan, Fallon Community Health Plan, Worcester
Aug 29, 2005
KAREN J. LONGO
Age: 42
Family: Married, one daughter
Native of: Worcester
Current residence: Sutton
Time in current job: One year
What do you do?
"I am responsible for the overall strategic development, expansion and ongoing operation of the Elder Service Plan. This is a very complex program in that it combines medical, social and insurance services all into one package. So we are working with insurance regulations, the federal Medicare program and the state Medicaid program to coordinate a lot of different pieces that all come together in a package that helps participants and caregivers remain in a home environment. That’s the motivation and primary goal of the program — to (help elders) stay in their home. We are working to show people there are options. When people come to us, I interview participants and caregivers, and many say, ‘This has been a godsend, a big relief and I wish I had found this sooner.’ "
How did you get into this job?
"I studied health administration in my undergraduate and graduate degrees, have always been fascinated with the health care system and I like helping people. It was a good combination. I’ve spent the last 20 years at Fallon Community Health Plan, working in sales, service and operational roles. So this has a natural fit and progression."
What’s the best part of your job?
"The satisfaction of seeing participants and caregivers happy, relieved and feeling loved, and being able to work with an outstanding team of employees. It’s hard-but-rewarding work. If, at the end of the day, you are exhausted, you don’t have to say, ‘What did I accomplish?’ I know we accomplish something every day."
What’s the worst part?
"There really isn’t a worst part. There are a lot of challenges. It’s a very complex program. It is sometimes hard to communicate all the benefits, to describe it on a piece of paper. Getting the word out is a challenge. We are going to rename the program in the fall and call it Summit ElderCare, and that reflects our history. We started at the Summit — this section of the city — and it conveys that we are keeping people at peak functioning. And we are going to implement some more focused marketing and outreach efforts."
What have you learned from this job?
"The value of teamwork, respecting other people’s points of view. Each member of the interdisciplinary team has a role and a say. Participants and caregivers have a say, too. The team considers all that information in developing a customized care plan. Every member of the team is a key part of the process and their thoughts are considered."
Would you do this job for free?
"I’m not sure I could do this job for free — we all have to work for a living. But were I independently wealthy or to win the lottery, I would volunteer in a role like this."
What’s the best advice you’ve been given by an older person?
"That’s interesting. I can think of one participant who is always upbeat and lives each day to its fullest. She has survived a stroke and other medical situations. She is upbeat and still happy, smiling, with all she’s had to deal with. She’s an inspiration."
Are you afraid of growing old?
"That’s a yes and no answer for me. The advantage of growing old is that you have more life experience to draw upon. The other side of that is that you want to make sure you can live your life fully, enjoy your family and the results of your life’s work. You want to be in the swing of things, interact and enjoy that. Your health is everything. People here don’t have 100 percent health, but they can still enjoy their family and live life to its fullest, regardless of the challenges."
Compiled by: Business Editor Andi Esposito To have or suggest a job profile, send information to Andi Esposito, business editor, Telegram & Gazette, Box 15012, Worcester, MA 01615-0012, or send e-mail to aesposito@telegram.com.
Reprinted from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette
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