"The demand for what we do is growing rapidly." President & CEO Patrick Blair shares his thoughts on "The State of PACE."
The State of PACE In my many years as a healthcare industry professional and leader, one thing has remained consistent: the job always comes down to people. PACE is about teams of dedicated and caring professionals providing our most vulnerable seniors and their families an atypically broad array of care and services to help them continue to live independently. Today, the demand for what we do is growing rapidly. The National PACE Association reports more than 75,000 Americans are enrolled in PACE. State governments increasingly recognize the need for better alternatives to nursing home care. By 2030, one in five Americans will reach retirement age. That’s over 70 million people and all U.S. Baby Boomers. We will all eventually need to be there to support our aging parents and find compelling solutions for ourselves. For the frailest of our families — we believe PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a key part of the solution. PACE is genuinely more than just a health care plan. Offering much more individualized coverage than traditional options for seniors, PACE provides care, services, and social opportunities for our participants at our state-of-the-art PACE facilities and in their homes. Through our extensive fleet of vehicles, we’re also able to safely and routinely transport participants to our facilities and their doctors. Our staff get to know our participants deeply, making it easier to understand their needs and tailor programs that help them live independently — and safely — in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The relief is usually universal from caregivers and families who enjoy the simplicity and peace of mind from a single plan that helps with activities of daily living – services historically provided by assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, and home care agencies. For us, this expert care comes from our own, dedicated team of senior health care professionals. Just walking into one of our centers and seeing our associates engaging compassionately with our participants gives me all the inspiration I need. InnovAge recently held a public event where dozens of our artistic participants showcased their talents. Witnessing their excitement, pride, and joy reminds me of just one of the things that makes PACE special: Our mission is not only to help heal people when they’re ill, but also to support, strengthen, and empower them so they can lead happier, healthier, more independent lives. “Art brings me satisfaction and peace. It is a part of my identity,” said Janet, a participant. “I love being a part of this program because I have the support to be who I am and do what I love. I think of InnovAge as part of my family.” These stories fuel our passion every day, and it’s encouraging to see more state and national leaders working to make this highly comprehensive, affordable, and truly exceptional program available to more people around the country. #PACEModel #SeniorCare