By Sandy Rodgers
Director, On Lok PACEpartners
On Lok PACEpartners provides consulting expertise in all areas of PACE program startup, operations, and expansion.
September marked National PACE Month, celebrating the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. This year’s theme—“Your Health. Your Journey. Our Support.”—highlighted the many ways in which the PACE model founded by On Lok has improved the lives of older adults and their caregivers.
Proven outcomes and lower costs
The data is clear: PACE participants have up to 25 percent fewer hospitalizations and ER visits than comparable populations not in the program. This leads to lower overall care costs and savings to the state. Most importantly, it helps individuals stay where they prefer—at home or in a community setting. Nationwide, over 94 percent of PACE participants age in the community, avoiding the cost, and often the isolation, of living in a nursing home.
Addressing real-life challenges for families
For family members who act as caregivers, often sacrificing their own mental health and well-being, PACE provides vital relief. Ninety-five percent of caregivers recommend PACE. PACE also helps reduce lost productivity at work due to caregiving demands. By managing care, PACE allows family members to return to being spouses, children, or siblings—not just caregivers.
Advancing the mission and expanding PACE
At On Lok, we are closely watching developments at the state and federal levels and remain optimistic about continued PACE expansion. With its proven success—financially and in human outcomes—more states are embracing the PACE model and establishing PACE as a Medicaid waiver option. We expect this trend to grow as more leaders recognize PACE’s value.
Supporting growth and knowledge nationally
Being part of On Lok—the originators of PACE— On Lok PACEpartners reinforce the mission to serve frail older adults and expand PACE with the organizations they assist.
As awareness of PACE increases, so does the demand for sustainable, community-based elder care. On Lok PACEpartners is working to meet that need, helping organizations bring PACE to more families, one community at a time. We have supported efforts in over 16 states, helping partners explore, develop, and grow successful PACE programs.
Through a collaboration with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, we host graduate interns who gain firsthand experience with aging and the policy landscape affecting older adults.
At the recent conference of Federal Qualified Health Centers, PACEpartners was the only PACE-focused organization present to support the education of the PACE model. The event offered a unique opportunity to connect with health centers nationwide, many of which showed interest in launching PACE programs.
The momentum behind PACE is growing. With more states adding the model to their Medicaid strategies and national interest on the rise, the future of PACE looks bright. On Lok PACEpartners is ready to help meet that need.
Learn more at onlok.org/pacepartners.
