Title: InnovAge and Sacramento Shine with PACE Programs
In early November, I was invited to explore the Sacramento, California PACE operation. PACE, or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a notable service that I've come across before. During a 2017 aging services conference in San Diego, I was struck by PACE's thoroughness. Its offerings impressed me, which is why I was eager to check out a different PACE center in the Sacramento area, conveniently situated near my northern California home.
What caught my attention this time was an opportunity to collaborate with InnovAge, an organization dedicated to introducing and maintaining PACE programs. After speaking with InnovAge representatives, I was enthused by their mission and eager to see their operation near me, which turned out to be Sacramento.
What is PACE and Who Does It Serve?
In the words of Patrick Blair, InnovAge's CEO, "Our mission is to empower seniors to age safely with dignity and autonomy. PACE goes beyond delivering care; it's about addressing the full spectrum of participants' needs, from providing medical care and activities at our day centers to in-home assistance. Through a dedicated interdisciplinary team and a holistic approach, we support our aging population's ability to thrive at home and within their communities."
PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services to fragile, older adults in the community. Most participants are eligible for Medicaid and/or Medicare benefits. This program allows these individuals to continue living independently at home instead of being admitted to a nursing home.
Often, InnovAge assists eligible seniors in applying for long-term care Medicaid. Many participants have had a modest income their entire lives, while others may have exhausted their assets. They must also be able to live independently and maintain stable housing, which could be an apartment of their own, shared housing, or a bedroom in a relative's home.
How PACE Works
PACE started as an adult day program in San Francisco in the 1980s by ON LOK. For over 40 years, this program has empowered low-income seniors across the country, helping them remain independent at home.
PACE Eligibility
Individuals can join PACE if they meet these qualifications based on income:
- Age 55 or older
- Live within the service area of a PACE facility
- Are able to live safely and independently in the surrounding community
PACE and InnovAge in Sacramento
Upon arrival in Sacramento, I was greeted by a fleet of buses, waiting to transport PACE members from their homes to the PACE facility in the southwest part of the city. These vehicles also facilitate transportation to specialized appointments outside the PACE community, equipped with wheelchair lifts and safety features typical for mass transport vehicles.
The PACE center in Sacramento, opened in 2020, showcased an active and enthusiastic operation. InnovAge invested in a gorgeous building, perfectly tailored to the needs of the PACE attendees as well as employees. On the day of my visit, around 60-75 people were receiving care of various kinds. Every PACE program includes a balanced hot breakfast and lunch for participants.
InnovAge repurposed an existing building with a central hallway featuring handrails along the walls and no square corners. This unique adaptation was strateged to aid individuals with early stages of dementia, reducing confusion.
I toured four distinct day rooms: a gaming area with pool, Ping-Pong tables, and other gaming equipment; an entertainment and information hub; a work area for physical and occupational therapy; and a religious study group. There were around 40-50 participants engaged in chatting, crafts, and fine motor skill activities.
As we strolled smoothly through the circular corridors, we observed a dental clinic, a physical therapy studio, a small gym, a medical clinic, and a variety of counseling offices and meeting rooms. Social workers assists participants in tackling administrative tasks, such as tax forms and medical paperwork.
InnovAge facilitates the selection of a "participant's advisory committee," with a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, elected by fellow members.
InnovAge
Established in 1989 as a nonprofit organization, InnovAge now operates as a public corporation. Their mission is to enable seniors to live independent lives for as long as possible, in their own homes and communities. InnovAge achieves this goal through their PACE programs and strives to expand these services to more communities. They currently manage 20 PACE centers. To maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, InnovAge must demonstrate annual adherence to all requirements for each of their PACE programs.
InnovAge employs a healthcare team consisting of a minimum of 11 professionals, dedicated to servicing each participant in their programs. After assessing every member's health needs, a personalized care plan is created, including primary care, social support, physical and occupational therapy, dietary care, and more. The average PACE participant receives approximately $100,000 worth of services annually, funded by Medicare and Medicaid.
In the words of InnovAge's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Richard Feifer, "PACE allows us to provide tailored care addressing not just their medical needs but also their social and emotional well-being. The results show that by combining proactive care with a personalized approach, we can significantly improve seniors' overall well-being and help them stay independent longer."
Why Aren't PACE Programs More Common?
Given PACE's success in its operation, it's surprising that more people aren't aware of this valuable service for seniors. The primary obstacle is gaining support from individual states, requiring Medicaid funds. The absence of state support means PACE is not a viable option in most places.
Starting a PACE program poses other challenges, including significant upfront capital investment to establish infrastructure and sustain it until the operation reaches a sustainable level. Building enrollment can be a slow process, as each individual must be approved by the state via their approval process.
InnovAge offers PACE programs in California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Some of these centers were formed by InnovAge, while others were acquired. Each PACE facility serves a specific geographic area, with applicants required to reside within the service area to access these services.
One challenge faced by InnovAge and similar entities is their inability to support homeless individuals in their service areas. PACE programs are designed to help those with stable living environments. Consequently, many PACE programs collaborate with organizations offering housing to low-income individuals. InnovAge has gone beyond this, owning a senior living facility in Colorado, providing partnership opportunities for eligible individuals.
In conclusion, PACE programs, particularly those run by InnovAge, are an essential service for many seniors. By allowing them to receive necessary care while maintaining their independence, this comprehensive approach addresses their medical needs and social well-being. The success of such programs highlights the requirement for broader state support to ensure more seniors can benefit from these life-enhancing services.
- I was particularly interested in InnovAge's collaboration with Sacramento's PACE operation, as they are pioneers in introducing and maintaining such programs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
- The PACE facility in Sacramento, managed by InnovAge, is not only a medical center but also provides social services for its aging participants, ensuring they can maintain their independence while living in their own homes or with family.
- In the Sacramento area, InnovAge helps eligible seniors apply for long-term care Medicaid, as many PACE participants have limited income or assets, making this program an essential resource for them.
