For more than 25 years, the AltaMed Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, has helped adults 55 years of age or older avoid nursing homes and instead, receive the care and services they need to continue living on their own. Each AltaMed PACE participant has a dedicated interdisciplinary care team, a group of highly-trained staff and specialists, who create a comprehensive care plan designed to address their unique health needs and reduce their risk factors for worsening health. 

In addition to receiving primary medical and specialty care at a designated AltaMed PACE center, participants also receive transportation coordination, physical and occupational therapy, prescription and over the counter medications, home health care, social services, meals and nutrition counseling, all, in a positive, safe, and comfortable environment. Not only does this provide improved and sustained health and social outcomes for participants, but it can also significantly reduce family and caregiver burnout by helping them manage their loved one’s health care needs. 

“The PACE model of care was created with both the participant and caregiver in mind. We know just how stressful it can be for caregivers to coordinate the complex medical needs of their loved ones while also juggling other responsibilities like work, family, or personal commitments,” said Dr. Esiquio Casillas, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at AltaMed. “Caregivers are an essential part of our participants’ care team and as such, we want to make sure they too receive the support and respite they need.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that approximately one in five Americans serve as the primary caregiver to a family member or friend who has a chronic health condition or disability. Of these individuals, half of them work full-time while also providing care and support to their loved one. According to data from the California Department of Aging, the states 4.5 million caregivers spend nearly 18 hours each week helping older family members or friends.

As an integrated and comprehensive model of care, AltaMed PACE pays for in-home caregiver services for participants that require help at home. PACE caregivers are paid employees of a professional organization that specializes in caregiver services in the home setting. Often times, the AltaMed PACE caregivers are the participant’s actual family members that already perform these caregiver functions in the home. 

The AltaMed PACE care team works directly with the participant and their caregiver to ensure that all aspects of care, including in-home support services, are well-coordinated. Additionally, the participant’s designated case manager works closely with the family, and, as the needs of the participant change, so do the services offered. Whether that means fewer or more frequent visits, changes in medication, or additional support services, including finding community resources to make life easier for the participants and their family.

Caregivers are often surprised to learn that the PACE program also offers support services to help them with their caregiving responsibilities. This includes caregiver training, respite care services, caregiver support groups, counseling, and education on caregiving techniques and strategies. 

National Caregivers Day is celebrated annually on the third Friday in February. The AltaMed PACE program is honored to celebrate the dedicated individuals who provide care and support to their loved ones. 

AltaMed is recognized as a leader in senior health services and has become one of the nation’s largest PACE providers, serving more than 5,000 participants across 16 locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. 

If you’re a member of the media and are interested in speaking to Dr. Casillas, a caregiver, or another subject matter expert about the AltaMed PACE program, email us at publicaffairs@altamed.org.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the AltaMed PACE program, visit AltaMed.org/PACE or call (855) 252-7223.