September is National PACE Month, a time to spotlight the life-changing impact of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Designed to help older adults live at home as long as possible, PACE combines medical and social support tailored to seniors’ unique needs.

Launched in 1971 in San Francisco, PACE now operates in 33 states and D.C., serving 84,000 participants nationwide.

In Mesa County, HopeWest introduced its PACE program in September 2021. Now in its fourth year, it supports more than 200 participants with a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists and transportation specialists working together to provide holistic senior care. 

“PACE is the most unique model of elder care I’ve seen and our services are incredibly in-depth,” said HopeWest PACE Executive Director Tracy Barrios. “Many people don’t realize how much quality-of-life support is available.”

Services include routine medical visits, lab work, medication management, in-home care, hospital coordination, nutritional counseling and caregiver support. 

But PACE services extend far beyond healthcare. At the Bacon Center for Living Your Best, located at 2754 Compass Drive in Grand Junction, participants enjoy hot meals from Spoons Bistro & Bakery and social activities. The center features an exercise room, billiards, craft spaces, a card room and a putting green, and also organizes field trips. Reliable door-to-door transportation makes it easy for participants to attend both on-site programs and community appointments.

For Sharon, 86, and her daughter Susan, enrolling in PACE proved to be life-changing. Caring for her mother had left Susan feeling stretched thin, until PACE stepped in to share the load.

A healthcare professional herself, Susan admits she wasn’t prepared for the toll of caregiving. 

“I manage patients at work, but I didn’t understand the toll it can take on a family caregiver,” said Susan.

Overwhelmed by appointments, transportation and medication management, Susan turned to PACE after a provider’s recommendation. Now, PACE handles it all.

While Sharon needed time to adjust, she now looks forward to every visit. 

“It’s given me positive energy and a purpose,” she said.

Eligibility requires that individuals be 55 or older, live within HopeWest’s Mesa County service area, meet Colorado’s nursing facility level-of-care requirements and be able to live safely in the community with PACE support. Enrollment includes an in-home visit, assessment and care plan before services begin. 

“We have caring people who will guide you, whether it’s HopeWest PACE or another resource,” said HopeWest President and CEO Deneen Silva. “We want to ensure you and your loved one receive the services you need.”

HopeWest PACE accepts Medicaid, Medicare and private payment. Participants with Medicaid only, or Medicaid and Medicare together, pay no premium. A monthly premium applies for those with Medicare only, or those who do not qualify for either. Participants may disenroll at any time.

To learn more, call 970-255 7223. After-hours inquiries can be submitted through HopeWestPACE.org.

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