Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

We live in a country where there are more people over the age of 65 than ever before. This presents quite a challenge for the families and society as a whole. Who will be there to take care of them? Will some of the few programs that are available still be there when they are most needed? Lawmakers need to look at this issue and see where our Medicaid/Medicare dollars can be used for the greatest good for this country's most prevalent population.

A program, which is largely unheard of, is the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly or PACE. Largely unheard of because PACE only serves approximately 40,000 people nationwide. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulates and monitors PACE and associated providers. San Francisco, California is where the first PACE model was located. Currently, there are only 36 PACE providers nationwide. PACE provides one-stop shopping for the elders of our society.

Offering a wide range of services the main goal of PACE is to allow seniors to remain in their homes and communities. Some participants live independently and some live with family. Participants also live in assisted living facilities and nursing homes when their medical needs and functioning level changes. If the need arises, respite stays for either social or medical reasons can be arranged through the providers. PACE covers services such as primary care, medications, day centers, incontinence supplies, home care, hospice and transportation.

In Denver, Colorado the adult day health centers provide services such as a Clinic with primary care and nursing services. These clinics are staffed be physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses. All of the participants medical needs are addressed here including wound care, medication administration and assistance with medication management, and hospitalization when necessary. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are also provided at these centers. Even some specialty providers such as dentists, hygienists, podiatrists, and opthalmology/optometry are provided at these clinics.