September is National PACE Month, a time to recognize the impact the program has on older adults, their families, and communities across the country.
PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a comprehensive model of care designed to help older adults who need a nursing home-level care continue living safely and independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
This year’s theme, #ThankYouPACE, celebrates the participants, caregivers, health care professionals, and team members who make PACE communities so special. Throughout September, The PACE Place will join PACE programs nationwide in celebrating National PACE Month and recognizing the people and connections at the heart of the program.
For many older adults, remaining in the home and community they know and love is incredibly important. As health needs change, however, staying independent can become more challenging. Managing doctor’s appointments, medications, therapies, transportation, and everyday needs can quickly become overwhelming, not only for older adults but also for the family members and caregivers who support them.
That is where PACE can make a difference.
The PACE Place serves eligible adults ages 55 and older through a coordinated approach that brings medical care, therapies, social services, and other support together through one interdisciplinary care team.
Instead of participants and their families trying to navigate multiple providers and services on their own, PACE brings those pieces together. Each participant has an individualized plan of care based on their medical, physical, social, and emotional needs. As those needs change, the PACE team works together to adjust the care and support being provided.
Depending on an individual’s care plan, services can include primary and specialty medical care, prescription medications, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, home care, nutritional counseling, social services, recreational activities, and transportation to the PACE center and medical appointments.
PACE is about more than managing health care needs. Social connection, companionship, and quality of life are also important parts of helping older adults thrive. At The PACE Place, participants can spend time at the center enjoying meals, activities, and friendships while also receiving the medical and supportive services they need.
To be eligible for PACE, individuals generally must be ages 55 or older, live within a PACE program’s service area, meet the state’s criteria for a nursing home-level care, and be able to live safely in the community with the support of PACE.
Throughout National PACE Month, The PACE Place will celebrate the participants, families, caregivers, and team members who bring the program to life every day. #ThankYouPACE is an opportunity to recognize the people behind PACE and the difference this unique model of care can make for older adults who want to remain connected to their homes, families, and communities.
At The PACE Place, that commitment continues long after September ends, helping participants receive comprehensive, personalized care while continuing to live life on their own terms.