Kathy, a PACE of the Ozarks participant, credits the program with changing – and even saving – her life. She says before enrolling in PACE, most of her days were spent alone and she had become withdrawn. She decided to look into PACE after her son heard about the program and the many services available. 

PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is a Medicare program designed to support the needs of seniors who qualify for nursing home care but can safely remain at home with the support and services offered by PACE. Services include a day center with social activities, on-site primary care services, nutrition counseling, social services, physical therapy and occupational therapy, coordination of specialty care, prescription medications, medical supplies and equipment, home care and transportation.

Shortly after becoming a PACE of the Ozarks participant, Kathy says PACE’s care team was able to coordinate her medical care to get the root of health issues she’d been experiencing. Kathy was referred to a cardiologist who had her wear a heart monitor. She credits PACE for her survival after a dangerous heart condition was caught on her monitor. She recalls, "As soon as I got home that day from PACE, I got a call telling me the monitor showed I needed to get to the hospital right away. If I would not have had that heart monitor on and gone to the hospital, they told me that more than likely I would have died that evening. I believe that PACE is the reason I'm alive.”

Today, Kathy is a regular at the PACE of the Ozarks day center and spends two days each week enjoying the vibrant community. Kathy says she appreciates the friendships she’s developed and the activities, including games, outings and more. “The activity director is just great. She does all kinds of things. We play bingo, Price is Right, and Jeopardy. We also do all kinds of drawings and artwork. She really does try to keep our imagination going, and I love that.”

While at the day center, Kathy is also able to attend medical appointments with her primary care provider, see a therapist, and receive physical therapy, something she says she’s come to look forward to. “I always hated exercising, but I don't mind it at PACE, because they make it fun,” she says.

PACE of the Ozarks participants can receive meals at home and at the day center. A PACE dietitian works with participants to make sure they receive the nutrition they need. For Kathy, that means enjoying a freshly cooked, hot lunch while at the day center and receiving prepared meals to eat on her days at home. She says the onsite dietitian has helped her explore new foods. "I'm picky when it comes to food," she confesses, "but now, I've started liking things I didn’t know I liked.”

PACE of the Ozarks also offers convenient transportation services, whether it's for medical appointments, recreational activities, or other approved destinations. “If you have a doctor's appointment, they will send a van out to pick up and take you home,” Kathy explains. She also depends on PACE for reliable transportation to get to and from the day center. “They bring us here in the morning and take us home at night.” 

To Kathy, PACE of the Ozarks is more than just a place to go for fun and care. It's a lifeline. "Without them, I wouldn't be here today," she affirms.