Teamwork is key to improving the lives of PACE participants.
The National PACE Association has proclaimed September as National PACE Month, an opportunity to celebrate the work of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®). This year’s theme of “PACE: Many Hands, Many Minds, ONE Goal” highlights the central role of the PACE interdisciplinary team in improving the lives of participants and their family caregivers.
TRU PACE, part of TRU Community Care a local nonprofit, is a PACE organization that has served Southwest and Boulder Counties for over 2+ years. A total of 129 PACE programs serve more than 50,000 enrollees in 31 states. PACE enrollees are age 55 and over and need a nursing home level of care. However, more than 95 percent are able to live in the community with the services and support they receive through PACE.
The PACE interdisciplinary team is one thing that really sets PACE apart from other care delivery models,” said Samantha Black, TRU PACE Executive Director, “So often individuals and families who have health care needs experience a fractured, hard-to-navigate health care system. PACE is just the opposite. In PACE the interdisciplinary team members work together to develop effective care plans and solve problems that PACE participants are experiencing. We have had so many enrollees and their families tell us how PACE has positively impacted their lives.”
The interdisciplinary team includes a registered nurse, primary care provider, recreation therapist, dietitian, occupational therapist, PACE center manager, home care coordinator, personal care attendant, transportation specialist, social worker and physical therapist, as well as other specialists such as a behavioral health therapist and pharmacist. Enrollees have 24 hour access to this team.
The PACE model provides wrap around services to help older adults live in their homes. If you or a loved one would like more information about TRU PACE or if you’d like a tour, please call 303-665-0115 or go to our website pace.trucare.org.