Care Manager
Mary Lou Masterpole has worked as an LICSW social work care manager with AZA Care Management for 20 years and prior to that as Clinical Director at Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Newton, MA. She earned a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Boston University with a focus on social work in the healthcare system.
Mary Lou is committed to working with AZA clients and their families in their homes or residential settings, focusing on their needs related to illness or aging and supporting their families and others involved with them. Given the complexities and issues of the health care system, guidance by a care manager can be essential.
In her spare time Mary Lou enjoys reading, gardening, hiking and spending time with her daughter and son-in-law.
According to the Aging Life Care® Association website, An Aging Life Care Professional, also known as a geriatric care manager, is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. The Aging Life Care Professionals® is educated and experienced in any of several fields related to Aging Life Care / care management, including, but not limited to counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work; with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.The Aging Life Care Professional assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individual’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Aging Life Care Professionals are able to address a broad range of issues related to the well-being of their client. They also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.
Patients we accept include:
- Older adults with or without the support of nearby relatives.
- Older adults who need help with everyday tasks, but don't require nursing care.
- Patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
- Older adults struggling with complex medical needs.
Care Managers can be nurses, social workers, physical therapists, psychologists or other related professionals and are typically licensed in their specialty.
Our geriatric care management (GCM) services are private-pay. Medicare/insurance does not cover GCM services, and we do not accept Medicaid. Depending on individual policies, some long-term care (LTC) policies will cover the cost (in part or in whole) of GCM services. Please check with your LTC company regarding your policy prior to scheduling an appointment.
A care management client assessment is a comprehensive psychosocial tool that care managers utilize to evaluate an individual’s medical, emotional, mental and physical health in order to develop a coordinated plan to maximize overall health with aging.
Aging Life Care Association is the professional organization for professional care managers.
