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AltaMed PACE

The Perks of AltaMed PACE

For years, “senior care” meant life in a nursing home. Today, however, tens of thousands of older adults across the country maintain their independence thanks to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE.

AltaMed is one of the nation’s largest PACE providers. We offer essential care that allows participants to stay healthy and continue living comfortably in their own home. Our 11 PACE centers throughout Los Angeles and Orange County serve more than 4,400 seniors each year.

Beyond all-inclusive health care, PACE uplifts seniors with services that offer joy and peace of mind. Here’s everything you can expect.

Health Services

PACE was originally created to meet the needs of seniors with complex health conditions that require numerous trips to the doctor and other medical professionals. By having multiple services under one roof, participants can enjoy more efficient and higher-quality care. It also takes some of the pressure off caregivers and family members.

At each PACE center, services include:

  • Nursing
  • Personal care
  • Physical/occupational therapy
  • Prescription/pharmacy services
  • Recreational therapy
  • Social services
  • Meals and nutrition counseling
  • Audiology (hearing)
  • Social work
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Podiatry (feet)
  • Medical care
  • Speech therapy
  • Home health care
  • Respite care

A Team Approach

PACE is much more than adult day care. Staff members are committed to helping participants thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Each participant has a team of staff and specialists offering personalized attention on a regular basis.

Upon registration, each participant gets a detailed course of action that’s designed to keep them healthy and strong, while addressing any current or potential health risks.

In addition to doctors and nurses that assess physical and mental well-being, social workers can help find community resources to make life easier for participants and their families.

Facilities

AltaMed PACE facilities provide exceptional care and a comfortable environment for participants. They are modern, clean, and operate using the latest medical equipment. They are also located in the heart of the communities they serve.

Transportation

PACE transportation eliminates the need to find a ride from family, friends, or third-party services. It helps participants feel more independent while providing an opportunity for daily socializing outside of the home. 

As part of their schedule, participants are picked up from their residence and then dropped back off at the end of the day. Those who require additional support may also receive transportation and a helpful escort to get them to specialist appointments.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Activities like walking, playing with grandchildren, and even getting out of bed should feel comfortable. For those experiencing pain, PACE has two different services to keep you moving forward:

  • Physical therapy (PT) PT is the practice of restoring proper movement throughout the body. The goal is to make it easy and pain-free to move through daily life by working on strength and flexibility.
  • Occupational therapy (OT)  OT is about helping to develop or improve the skills and confidence needed for daily living.

In-House Pharmacies

Complex health conditions may require taking multiple medications, which can be hard to track. Having medications available at PACE centers simplifies everything. Our pharmacists can keep participants current on their prescriptions and watch for potential drug interactions. Plus, staff will provide refill reminders.

Activities

Joy is an important part of living an active, healthy life. At PACE centers, participants can try a wide variety of activities. All are designed to encourage socialization, keep the brain sharp, and be fun for any skill level.

Participants can pick up a new hobby like knitting, board games, cards, bingo, or video games on a Wii. PACE participants can also attend occasional off-site field trips.

PACE activities give people the chance to try new things and flex mental muscles. Attendance is always optional, but highly encouraged.

Meals and Nutrition Counseling

PACE participants receive meals that account for their health and dietary needs, and are also fresh, delicious, and culturally familiar. They also have access to personalized nutrition counseling so they can make the right choices about meals at home.

Social Services

Good health is much more than just how the body feels — it includes having access to comprehensive services that address a variety of personal needs.

PACE social workers can help participants find and apply for federal, state, and community programs such as financial assistance, food benefits, in-home services, disability, advocacy, and more. 

Home Health Care

Qualified participants receive house visits from PACE caregivers who can lend a hand with tasks ranging from cooking and cleaning to personal hygiene and dressing. The care team will determine the level of help needed.

PACE professionals assisting with these essential tasks leaves more time for participants and their families to have fun.

PACE and Your Family

If you have a family member who could benefit from enhanced care services, AltaMed can help. Under one roof, you’ll find doctors, specialists, meals, transportation, activities, and more to keep your loved one healthy and independent. Get started by clicking here or call: (855) 252-PACE or (855) 252-7223.

Get started with AltaMed

See how AltaMed Health Services can help your family grow healthy.

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Family Meeting

AltaMed PACE Celebrates National PACE Month

Tens of thousands of seniors across the country avoid life in a nursing home thanks to PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE, established by Medicare, is for seniors with complex medical needs. They receive essential care and services that allow them to live comfortably in their own homes.

September is National PACE Month, and this year’s theme is “PACE is the Place for Me.” It’s a time to highlight the programs and people who serve the 51,000 seniors participating in PACE. Over the last two years, the coronavirus pandemic has shown us how much work is required to provide safe and effective health care, especially for the elderly.

People Dancing

AltaMed PACE

AltaMed has the largest number of PACE locations in California, with 11 locations serving more than 3,000 seniors in 55 cities throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The program launched in 1996 and continues to grow.

Each participant in AltaMed PACE has a dedicated team of staff and specialists providing personalized attention on a regular basis. Those who enroll receive a unique care plan designed to keep them healthy and strong while addressing any current or potential health risks. In addition to doctors and nurses who address physical and mental well-being, PACE staff includes social workers who identify community resources that can make lives easier for participants and their families.

AltaMed’s PACE vans have become fixtures in the community, picking up seniors at their homes bringing them to our PACE locations and then dropping them back home at the end of the day. Participants can also receive transportation support to get to specialist appointments.

Because every participant has unique health needs, AltaMed PACE locations offer a large variety of care services under one roof. These include:

  • Nursing
  • Personal care
  • Physical/occupational therapy
  • Pharmacy services
  • Recreation therapy
  • Social services
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Meals
  • Hearing checks
  • Social work
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Podiatry
  • Medical care
  • Speech therapy
  • Home health care
  • Respite care

To learn more about AltaMed PACE, click here or call: (855) 252-PACE or (855) 252-7223.

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Hiking

How to Stay Mentally Healthy as We Age

Even with the miracle of modern medicine, growing old is not a given. Seeing our “golden years” requires work. Eating right, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep are all part of the physical preparation for living longer. Staying mentally sharp is equally important.

The challenges that come with aging – physical limitations, chronic health conditions, and social isolation – can harm our mental health. But there are steps seniors can take to stay mentally strong and maintain their overall well-being.

Below are some commonsense approaches that will help seniors continue to live fulfilling lives.

Staying sharp

  1. Stay physically active — Physical activity is not only good for your physical health, but also your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress. According to the NIA, older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical fitness per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Here are some activities you can do at any age.
  2. Stay socially engaged — Isolation can have a negative impact on mental health, so it's important for seniors to stay engaged. This can involve joining a social group, volunteering, or simply spending time with friends and family. Social support can help seniors cope with stress and improve their overall well-being.
  3. Practice mindfulness — Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. This can help seniors reduce stress, thereby improving health. Mindfulness techniques can include meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a few moments to focus on the present moment. Mindfulness can improve mental health and cognitive functioning in older adults.
  4. Maintain a healthy diet — Eating a healthy diet can also have a positive impact on mental health. A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks is also recommended.
  5. Seek professional help if needed — If seniors are experiencing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, it's important to seek professional help. According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental health treatment can be highly effective for seniors, and there are a variety of treatment options available.

We Are Here to Help

We offer short-term therapy to help you overcome any challenge. Our behavioral health clinicians speak English and Spanish and are trained to help you cope with life stressors. We can also link you to mental health services if you need long-term therapy. Call our Behavioral Health team today at (855) 425-1777 to learn more about our services.

Our AltaMed Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) also offers Behavioral Health services. The PACE Behavioral Health team includes multi-lingual, licensed staff along with a Board-Certified Chaplain. These providers work with your care team to identify a behavioral care plan. For more information, speak with your medical provider or click here.

The Perks of AltaMed PACE