The number of people worldwide living with dementia is growing at an alarming rate. Many are unaware about how PACE@Home can provide extra support and help their loved one continue living at home, while still receiving medical care and other assistance from trained professionals.
Seniors Thriving in Their Communities
Georgia Stilwell enjoys a fun fishing activity at our Day Center
During National PACE Month in September, we would like to share a few stories of people who are receiving the care and services they need to live as independently as possible. Instead of entering nursing homes during their golden years, they receive assistance at home or at the Pace@Home Day Center, where they socialize and enjoy fun activities to help them stay active.
Here are a few of their stories:
Sisters Pat Eckard and Georgia Stilwell Find Community at PACE@Home
When Pat Eckard realized she needed some extra support to manage her medical condition, she signed up for PACE@Home, a local organization that helps individuals who have serious illnesses or disabilities remain independent for as long as they can.
Pat has enjoyed spending time with her friends at the organization’s Day Center for nearly 10 years, so when her younger sister, Georgia Stilwell, decided she needed a little extra help, she signed on, too.
“Pat’s been taking care of me since I was a baby,” says Georgia. “When she thought I may need extra help with my medical needs, she suggested that I join her at PACE@Home, so I did and I’ve loved it.”
Both Pat and Georgia grew up in the Longview community in Hickory, N.C. Georgia worked her way up to manager at JP Stevens making stockings, while Pat worked as a custodian for local nonprofits, including Lutheran Home and Highland Baptist Church, to help support her four children.
They both love coming to the Day Center, chatting with friends and participating in fun activities like Bingo and arts and crafts. “It’s fun making new friends and talking about the good old days,” says Pat. “Pace@Home is a wonderful place to be. It’s great making new memories here.”
Polly Connor Gets Active and Stays Social with PACE@Home
Frances “Polly” Connor’s journey began when she was just a girl and moved from North Carolina to Maryland. After she graduated from high school, she took her first job at Johns Hopkins Hospital as an elevator operator, getting patients where they needed to go for healthcare. But her passion has always been caring for children.
Over many decades of service as a foster parent and house manager for families, she built meaningful relationships with many children who now live all over the country. Many of them still call her every year to wish her Happy Mother’s Day.
As Polly grew older, she returned to her hometown of Newton, N.C., where she realized she needed some extra support to stay active, both physically and socially. She decided to sign up for PACE@Home, a local organization that helps individuals remain independent for as long as they can.
There's always something new at PACE@Home. Every day, a team of certified recreational therapists comes up with fun ways to keep their participants healthy and happy — from playing games like Bingo or Connect, to staying active with drumming or chair Zumba.
Polly has enjoyed participating in the PACE program for more than three years. When asked about her favorite part, she had an immediate answer: "I love the people and all the activities — especially painting and Zumba!"
Michelle Horne is Empowered to Live Independently
Michelle Horne's love for her community and her hands-on work ethic shines through in everything she does. She moved from Allentown, PA, to Charlotte, N.C., when she was just a child so her dad could attend Fruitland Baptist Bible College. Years later, she found herself a new place to call home in Newton, N.C., where she sewed thread at Hickory Dyeing and Winding, a local textile plant, and worked as a housekeeper at Abernethy Laurels, a local retirement community.
As Michelle got older and began to slow down, she reached out to PACE@Home for some extra support with her healthcare needs, and she has loved being part of the program. She comes to the organization’s Day Center twice a week and also receives services at her home when she needs them — including physical therapy and help with light housekeeping. “PACE has truly been a blessing,” says Michelle. “They helped me with my teeth and my hearing aids, and everything else that I’ve needed to stay healthy.”
Some of her favorite activities at PACE include playing Bingo, doing Zumba and hearing musical performances from local musicians like country singer, Shellem Cline. “I look forward to all the activities,” says Michelle. “I also love the security of knowing the PACE team is here for me in case any problems arise. It helps give me the confidence to stay in my home and live as independently as possible.”
Learn More About PACE@Home
These are just a few examples of the stories we hear from our participants. To all the amazing seniors out there, PACE@Home may be a great option for aging in place. For more information, visit pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980.
Local Organizations Join Forces for Community Event on June 21
PACE@Home will host a community event on Tuesday, June 21 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the organization’s day center, located at 1915 Fairgrove Church Road in Newton, N.C.
The event will provide free healthcare resources from local organizations including the Catawba Valley Health First Center and Alzheimer’s Association. They will share information about the importance of selfcare and the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Starmount Health will also be on site offering a free vaccine clinic.
The event will also include a food drive for PACE@Home participants who are struggling with the rising cost of food. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office will provide a medication drop-off site to dispose of any unwanted medications and First Class Document Destruction will provide a shred container for documents that need safe disposal.
Gas Up Food Truck will have tasty meals available for purchase during the event.
“We’re trying to do our part to promote health and wellness,” says Executive Director Emily Jones. "Our goal is to share valuable information and resources to help our community live healthier lives."
PACE@HOME is a program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. It is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980 or TTY: 800.735.2962.
PACE@Home Hosts Annual Mark White Legacy Cruise In on June 17
Last year's Cruise In included a Ford Model T hot rod.
PACE@Home will host its second annual “Mark White Legacy Cruise In” antique car show on Friday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the organization’s day center, located at 1915 Fairgrove Church Road in Newton, N.C.
This fun, family event, formerly named Dudes and Donuts, was begun by PACE@Home’s Activities Department as a Father’s Day event. The event was later renamed in honor of Mark White, the father of PACE@Home’s Rehabilitation Director, Jason White, because of his love for classic cars.
What began with just a few antique cars parked outside of the organization’s day center now draws people from all around to enjoy this nostalgic community gathering. Those who would like to bring their antique cars to the event are encouraged to call (828) 468-3980 to register.
Big Byrd’s Smokehouse Food Truck will be on site to offer tasty barbeque. Free donuts and water will also be available.
“We’re excited about this event because it will be an opportunity to celebrate the history behind these antique cars, while remembering the good old days,” says Emily Jones, Executive Director of PACE@Home. “It will also give our community a chance to gather with family and friends for a time of fun and fellowship.”
For more than a decade, PACE@Home has been providing quality, all-inclusive care for individuals who have serious conditions or disabilities and wish to remain independent as long as possible. Specially trained staff offer dozens of healthcare services, including an adult day center, medications, transportation, homecare and recreational activities to help seniors remain in their community while staying as healthy as they can.
PACE@HOME is a program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. PACE@Home is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980 or TTY: 800.735.2962.
PACE@Home to Host Recruitment Open House May 26
"My favorite thing about being a CNA is seeing the Participant’s smile." -Taylor Upton
PACE@Home will host a recruitment open house on Thursday, May 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the organization’s Day Center, located at 1915 Fairgrove Church Road in Newton, N.C.
Job seekers will have an opportunity to meet the PACE@Home team and learn more about the benefits of working for an employer that is ranked nationally among Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2021 and 2022. These benefits include flexible work schedules, competitive salaries and medical insurance coverage, along with a positive, supportive work environment.
For more than a decade, PACE@Home has been providing quality, all-inclusive care for individuals who have serious conditions or disabilities and wish to remain independent as long as possible. Specially trained staff offer dozens of healthcare services, including our adult day center, medications, transportation, homecare and recreational activities, to help seniors remain in their community while staying as healthy as they can.
“We're looking for enthusiastic healthcare workers to join our team,” says Emily Jones, Executive Director of PACE@Home. “We offer flexibility and support your success in achieving your career goals, all while working together as an organization to best serve seniors in our community."
PACE@HOME is a program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. PACE@Home is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980 or TTY: 800.735.2962.
PACE@Home Earns National Recognition Among Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work
Employees like Radonna Jones go above and beyond every day.
PACE@Home has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare for 2022. This award program recognizes outstanding employers nationwide that have maintained a high level of employee engagement. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on assessments that include an extensive employee survey to select the award winners.
"I am so proud to be a part of this team," says PACE@HOME Executive Director Emily Jones. "We strive for employee engagement and satisfaction, because it's important that everyone feels valued and inspired every day."
"After the many stressors placed on the healthcare workforce during the pandemic and the resulting Great Resignation, we know those employees are battling burnout, increased work volumes and their own physical and mental health challenges," said Modern Healthcare Publisher Fawn Lopez. "The organizations that have focused significant resources and energy to support their staff throughout these especially challenging times deserve the loyalty of their teams and the recognition of the entire industry.”
PACE@Home’s ranking on the list for 2022 will be announced on Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Best Places to Work in Healthcare awards gala at the Hilton Nashville Downtown in Nashville, Tenn.
PACE@Home is a program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or a community setting. PACE@Home is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980.
What is Adult Day Care, and How Can it Help Caregivers?
Adult Day Care Centers provide seniors with a safe place to socialize and participate in planned activities with others. These facilities are designed for those who need assistance or supervision when it comes to activities of daily living like eating, using the restroom or taking medications. They continue to receive the health services they need while their loved ones receive a much-needed break from caregiver duties.
What is Adult Day Care?
Adult Day Care has been around for decades. With programs in most communities, you can lean on qualified staff to provide medical assistance throughout the day as well as meals, trips outside (weather permitting), and fun arts and crafts to keep seniors engaged.
How Does Adult Day Care Help Caregivers?
Being a caregiver is challenging. Sometimes it can be difficult to take time off from work to care for a loved one. Adult Day Care Centers can be an excellent alternative for caregivers who want to keep their loved one at home, but must work or otherwise be away from home during weekdays. Caregivers get respite and peace of mind, while seniors receive the hands-on, daily support they need.
Who is the Right Age for Adult Day Care?
Adult Day Care may be the perfect solution for people of all ages who need extra care and attention for an extended period of time. These programs help not only seniors, but also those recovering from an illness or injury, or others who could benefit from social interaction throughout the day.
What are the Benefits of Adult Day Care?
When you're unable to care for yourself or a loved one, Adult Day Care Centers can be an important part of your healthcare plan. They provide a safe place for older adults with disabilities, give peace of mind to individuals who are too sick or injured to live alone, and relieve stress on family members and other loved ones who may become overextended.
Are Local Resources Available?
Adult Day Care is available at many local senior centers and at PACE@Home, where Adult Day Care needs are evaluated during the development of each person’s plan of care and is reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. As a federally funded program, PACE@Home provides comprehensive medical care and is administered by states through Medicaid waivers. It can be a cost-effective alternative for those who need a wide variety of medical care, along with food and transportation services.
PACE@HOME is a program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. PACE@Home is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980 or TTY: 800.735.2962.
PACE@Home Adds Latyeasaral Bennett as Nurse Practitioner
Latyeasaral “Tye” Bennett, MSN, FNP-C
Latyeasaral “Tye” Bennett, MSN, FNP-C, has joined PACE@Home as nurse practitioner. Designed to provide high quality, all-inclusive care for seniors, PACE@Home helps individuals who have serious conditions or disabilities remain independent for as long as they can.
Bennett earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Queen’s University of Charlotte and a Master of Science degree from South University in Savannah, Ga. She has more than five years of experience as a nurse practitioner and 13 years as a nurse working in a variety of settings, including assisted living centers and skilled nursing facilities. Bennett provides expert care for a wide variety of health conditions, with a special passion for helping patients and families manage the symptoms of dementia.
“I love acting as a trusted resource for our participants and families,” she says. “Being able to provide them with all-inclusive care is so beneficial to their overall well-being and creates the right environment to provide the highest standard of care.”
Bennett is a compassionate provider who believes in delivering quality, patient-centered care, ensuring patients and families are involved in decision-making for treatment options. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, working out, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
PACE@HOME is a program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. PACE@Home is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980 or TTY: 800.735.2962.
PACE@Home Expands to Serve More Seniors
Executive Director, Emily Jones, holds a county map showing the zip codes we now serve.
PACE@Home, a local, all-inclusive care center based in Newton, N.C, has expanded its service area to include all of Alexander County and select ZIP codes in Burke and Caldwell counties, including 28619, 28655, 28680, 28628, 28671, 28645, 28633 and 28667. The expansion will provide access for more seniors who wish to stay in their homes or another community setting as they age.
Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, PACE@Home is a well-established organization committed to an interdisciplinary medical model of care. The all-inclusive program offers everything from socialization and medical and emotional support to transportation and assistance with activities of daily living.
“We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of this vital program for vulnerable, aging adults,” says Emily Jones, PACE@Home’s Executive Director. “We look forward to supporting more seniors as they continue to reside in their communities surrounded by their loved ones.”
PACE@HOME is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a federal initiative that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. PACE@Home is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980 or TTY: 800.735.2962.
PACE@Home Holds Celebration of Life Event
The sun shined brightly as families released balloons to symbolize the release of their loved ones.
PACE@Home recently held its annual Celebration of Life event to honor the lives of Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants who have passed away during a special ceremony held at the organization’s day center located in Newton, NC.
The ceremony included special music and beautiful ornaments to commemorate each participant who has passed away. The event was very moving as it recognized them individually, while their loved ones gathered to reflect on how they brightened their lives.
For more than 10 years, PACE@Home has been providing quality all-inclusive care for individuals who have serious conditions or disabilities and wish to remain independent for as long as they can. The organization’s specially trained staff offers dozens of healthcare services from adult day care to medications, dental care and recreational activities to help seniors remain in their community while staying as healthy as possible.
"We're honored to be a part of celebrating the lives and stories of our participants,” says Executive Director, Emily Jones. "We want to celebrate all those who have passed away, knowing they will always remain in our hearts.”
PACE@HOME is a program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that allows individuals in need of skilled nursing home care to remain in their home or community setting. PACE@Home is a voluntary, medical/social-based model of care for those who are eligible that creates an individualized plan of care for each participant. This person-centered plan of care is developed, reviewed and updated regularly by an interdisciplinary team to ensure that each participant’s needs are addressed. For more information, please visit www.pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980 or TTY: 800.735.2962.