PACE@Home Celebrates 10th Anniversary

PACE@Home recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special event at the organization’s day center located at 1915 Fairgrove Church Road in Newton, NC.

For ten years, 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. Our specially trained staff offer 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 so grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to serve seniors in our community," says PACE@Home Executive Director Emily Jones. "We provide care for participants who want an alternative approach towards aging with independence."

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.

Celebrating a Decade of Service

PACE (Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and discussing its evolution with three staff members who have been with the program since the beginning. They feel called to be at PACE@Home, doing what they love – helping seniors remain in their community surrounded by loved ones.

“This is a special place,” says Finance Director Nadine Balint. “We offer socialization and healthcare providers on site so seniors can feel comfortable coming to our center to receive holistic care.”

“We have become specialists for people who are in their later years of life,” says Betsy Ellington, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. “When I first started, we had a few participants in their nineties, but now it’s not uncommon to have participants in their nineties. This means their caregivers may be getting older too and often find themselves needing additional resources like those found at PACE@Home.”

“The mission is why I work here,” says Amanda Justus, Intake Director. “PACE@Home supports families just like mine who have experienced the stress of caring for loved ones. It’s the best thing in the world to offer hope.”

As specialists in geriatric care, PACE@Home has had the privilege to witness and participate in many changes over its 10 years of service, Starting out, there were only a few staff members like Amanda, Betsy and Nadine, but the program has grown over the last decade and evolved to provide the essential services older adults need today like never before.

PACE (Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a federally funded program administered by states through Medicaid waivers. It provides comprehensive care coordination and services in the community while also providing an option to transition from long-term institutional settings such as hospitals or skilled nursing centers back into their homes. The benefits are numerous: It can be less expensive than hospitalization because the program is structured to efficiently provide the wide variety of medical services that participants may need, along with food and transportation services. For more information about PACE@Home, visit pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980, TTY: 800.735.2962.

 

PACE@Home Ranked Among Modern Healthcare’s List of Best Places to Work for 2021

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Modern Healthcare has selected PACE@Home as a Best Place to Work in Healthcare, ranking No. 25. As the only Pace@Home chapter to make the list, this prestigious national recognition demonstrates the organization’s track record of driving employee engagement and encouraging the career development of its workforce. Rankings were announced at the 2021 Best Places to Work awards gala on Thursday, September 16.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a Best Place to Work, particularly during such a challenging time as we continue the fight the spread of COVID-19,” says Emily Jones, Executive Director of PACE@Home. “What kept us grounded during these unprecedented times is our commitment to our participants and community.” 

Modern Healthcare partnered with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive survey. As the healthcare industry sits squarely on the frontlines of the pandemic, healthcare leaders have proven that creating nurturing, supportive workplaces for their most valuable asset, is vital.

For more information about Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare and to view this year’s listing, visit ModernHealthcare.com/bestplacestowork.

 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.

 

Nursing Home Alternatives: What are the Options?

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Many people worry that if they are unable to care for themselves or their loved ones, a nursing home may be the only option. However, there are many alternatives — from assisted living centers with amenities such as swimming pools or weight rooms, to retirement communities with access to food services and transportation, to adult day care programs that allow you to enjoy a fulfilling social life and access to medical treatment on site. Consider all your options when deciding the best fit not just yourself, but those closest to you, too! This article explores some of these options.

Assisted Living Centers

Some people may find the cost of assisted living centers to be out of reach, while others consider them to be a welcoming place to enjoy their twilight years that is well worth the cost. The benefits of assisted living facilities are numerous — they often provide food service professionals to prepare your meals three times daily; nurses on staff 24/7 in case of emergencies; social workers to keep you company and provide recreational activities; housekeeping services so your living area stays nice and clean; and the chance to meet and socialize with your peers.

Retirement Communities

Retirement communities are often a safe, secure and lower cost alternative to assisted living centers, but typically do not offer the same level of healthcare and personal care. But, like an assisted living center, they provide food services if you are unable to prepare meals for yourself, as well as housekeeping and transportation services.

Adult Day Care

Adult day care provides a safe and comfortable atmosphere for seniors who may need around-the-clock supervision. This gives them the opportunity to leave their home for companionship and support activities, decreasing their risk of social isolation. It also offers respite for caregivers by providing extra assistance and ensuring your loved one gets all the attention he/she needs.

PACE@Home

PACE (Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a federally funded program administered by states through Medicaid waivers. It provides comprehensive care coordination and services in the community while also providing an option to transition from long-term institutional settings such as hospitals or skilled nursing facilities back into their homes. The benefits are numerous: It can be less expensive than hospitalization because the program is structured to efficiently provide the wide variety of medical services that participants may need, along with food and transportation services. For more information about PACE@Home, visit pace-at-home.org or call 828.468.3980, TTY: 800.735.2962.

Choose the Option that is Best for You or Your Loved One

Nursing homes are still a popular option for seniors to live out their golden years. But, with so many options available, don’t assume it’s your only solution. Explore all the alternatives before you make a decision to make sure you find the one that best fits your lifestyle and goals.

PACE@Home Recognized on Modern Healthcare’s List of Best Places to Work for 2021

Modern Healthcare has selected PACE@Home as one of its Best Places to Work in Healthcare. This award program recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey.

“We are honored to be selected as an outstanding employer,” says Emily Jones, Executive Director for PACE@Home. “We strive to maintain a highly engaged workforce who feel inspired to give their best every day.”

“One year into the pandemic, we’ve seen the industry transform to meet the needs of its patients and employees,” said Aurora Aguilar, Modern Healthcare’s editor. “Time and time again, the most resilient and successful organizations show that empathy towards their staff, clear vision and compassion towards the patient buoys teams and sets them up for success. We congratulate the Best Places to Work in Healthcare for eliciting loyalty from their workforce and communities during harrowing times.”

PACE@Home’s place on the list for 2021 will be announced on Thursday, September 16 at the Best Places to Work in Healthcare awards gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago.

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.

Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis-Part 2 September 17th

What will this mean for me and my family? How do I plan for the future? Where can I get the help I need? Individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementia and their loved ones cannot walk this journey alone. Early planning helps relieve stress and allows for a higher quality of life.

JOIN US FOR A RESOURCE PANEL Experts in legal/ financial planning, home environment and safety, transitioning, government services, and self-care will share tips, resources, and services available for individuals and their families.

TO REGISTER Call 1-800-272-3900, or go to tinyurl.com/CatawbaSept17

Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis-Part 1 September 3, 2019

What will this mean for me and my family? How do I plan for the future? Where can I get the help I need?

This program is open to individuals with a recent diagnosis and/or in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementia diseases, their families and care-partners, and anyone interested in learning more about planning, resources and services that are available.

TO REGISTER Call 1-800-272-3900, or go to tinyurl.com/CatawbaSept03

National PACE month

Contact: Robert Greenwood, 703-455-2969, RobertG@npaonline.org

‘Delivering Independence’ Is Theme of National PACE Month in September

Celebrating the Role of PACE Drivers in Connecting Enrollees with Their Communities

Alexandria, VA (Sept. 5, 2017) – The National PACE Association joins with Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®) across the country to celebrate National PACE Month in September. PACE programs provide clinical and support services to nursing home-eligible seniors so they can continue to live in the community for as long as possible.

“PACE is such an innovative program, we hope the recognition through National PACE Month will make more people aware of PACE and the benefits the PACE model of care provides to seniors, their caregivers and communities,” said Shawn Bloom, CEO and president of NPA.

The theme of National PACE Month is “Delivering Independence,” highlighting the important role that transportation plays in the PACE model. Drivers are members of the PACE interdisciplinary teams that provide or arrange for direct health care and supportive services for PACE enrollees, both in the home and at PACE centers that enrollees attend several days a week.

“Only in a fully integrated model of care like PACE could transportation play such an important role in keeping seniors with long-term needs living safely in the community,” said Bloom. “PACE drivers don’t just offer curb-to-curb transportation; they enter the enrollee’s home to help them to the van and are trained to look for changes in the home environment or in the level of assistance an enrollee needs. By identifying changes quickly, the PACE program can plan treatments and interventions immediately before larger issues surface.”

Nationally, 239 PACE centers serve more than 40,000 PACE enrollees in 31 states.

“Every senior enrolled in PACE meets the requirements for nursing home care, yet 95 percent of PACE enrollees live in the community,” said Bloom. “PACE is an innovative model that continues to adapt and change as public policy, technology, and even the seniors we serve change. PACE is successful because it is based on building relationships between enrollees and the members of the PACE interdisciplinary team.”

The National PACE Association works to advance the efforts of Programs of All-Inclusive Care
for the Elderly (PACE®). Congress recently passed bipartisan legislation to adapt the PACE model to
serve other high-cost, high-need individuals who could benefit from highly coordinated personalized care. Policy-makers see a key role for PACE in serving younger individuals with physical or mental
disabilities or those with multiple chronic conditions. For more information, visit the NPA website.