Ken Alpert: A Commitment to Caring
Springwell Care Manager, 1981 – 2023
In September, 2023, after 42 years working as a Care Manager for Springwell, Ken Alpert died unexpectedly at the young age of 67. Like his idol, Carl Yastrzemski, who played for just one team, the Boston Red Sox, for his entire Major League career, Ken spent his entire Care Manager career at Springwell. Ken graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in sociology, and knew he wanted to work in human services. It wasn’t long after Ken joined Springwell as a Care Manager in 1981 that he realized he wanted to devote his professional life to helping older adults through Springwell. He thrived in the role and especially loved the combination of engaging with staff in the office and building relationships with older adults in their homes.
Reflecting on his career on the occasion of his 40th anniversary at Springwell, Ken noted that, “Over the years, my supervisors and the staff have all been excellent. The atmosphere is comfortable and supportive…and Springwell is a fun place to work.”
Ken was the quintessential Springwell Care Manager. A Care Manager pulls together services for an individual, monitors and manages those services, and helps family members understand the role of services. Ken believed that one of the most important traits for a Care Manager is being a good listener, because building understanding can help older adults accept recommended services, even when they are reluctant. As Ken said, “I like to establish a relationship with an individual by finding out more about their lives. I was speaking with a woman during a home visit and asked her if she had a favorite President. She said Franklin Roosevelt and told me why she liked him. It was fascinating. Establishing a relationship helps build trust, so that when we start talking about services, they are more receptive.”
In 2019, Ken was awarded the Cathe Madden Case Manager award from the MA Home Aide Council. At the award ceremony, he noted that, “It is an honor and a privilege to work at Springwell. I find it very rewarding working with my consumers. The work that we do makes a difference in their lives. The services we provide help people to remain in their home.”
In consultation with his family, in October of 2023, Springwell renamed our long-time Elder Independence Fund to honor Ken. The Ken Alpert Elder Independence Fund, supported entirely by donations, allows Springwell staff to provide seniors and caregivers help they need to alleviate their distress, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
