It’s well-established that older adults want to remain in their own homes. A recent study by the AARP Public Policy Institute and the National Conference of State Legislatures found 90 percent of those over 65 want to “age in place.” At times, living independently can be challenging due to issues related to aging. One option is the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which aims to keep older adults in their own homes and communities for as long as safely possible – instead of nursing homes.
Older adults often suffer from a number of conditions that can keep them from living independently unless the conditions are treated and addressed by medical professionals and family caregivers. Two common areas are incontinence and mental health (such as Sundown syndrome or depression). PACE’s interdisciplinary team helps address these issues through personalized care plans tailored for each participant, including comprehensive medical and mental health services.
For older adults who qualify, PACE is a viable solution. PACE provides personalized, comprehensive medical care and intensive social supports, primarily through a local center. PACE also helps caregivers by managing their loved ones during the day and providing tips on how to manage the care of older adults at night while remaining in their own homes.
Through this holistic care, PACE services have shown to reduce the chance that older adults will need to be admitted to a nursing home. A 2015 study by The Gerontologist found 31 percent of PACE participants had a lower risk of long-term nursing home admission. For the older adult, PACE provides important healthcare options and other services to engage the mind and body, both of which can have a profoundly positive effect. The program has a long history of providing necessary care and socialization and has proven itself time and again as a viable option for older adults and their caregivers.
For more information on PACE or to schedule a tour of InnovAge’s PACE Center serving Northern Colorado, call 844-704-9616.