Living alone and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were just two of the issues Edie Brummett of Plymouth, Indiana, tried to overcome at age 64. Because she has had COPD for 10 years, activities such as cooking, managing her personal care and getting around her apartment had become increasingly difficult. It was clear to her family doctor that Edie needed more care than her monthly check-ups could provide, so she introduced her to a new program, Saint Joseph PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).
“Edie is a perfect example of how many members of our senior community live at home,” said Dr. Quinn, Saint Joseph PACE medical director. “They try to manage their daily lives with little resources or the knowledge of how to do so, leaving their quality of life compromised. At PACE, we are privileged to offer this care and give them the tools they need.”
While PACE has been an option to seniors across the country for 30 years, the program came to our region last August. It offers its participants daily care, tools and an approach to help them continue to live independently. Eligible seniors include those who qualify for nursing home care through the state, and live in the service area including most of St. Joseph County, and portions of Elkhart and Marshall Counties. Cost can be paid privately, or carries no cost for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, or traditional Medicaid only.
Last month, Edie followed her doctor’s advice and signed up to become a participant at Saint Joseph PACE. “With Edie, it was a matter of taking the time to teach her about handling her symptoms and triggers, and arming her with tools to enable her to live a better quality of life,” added Quinn. “Our rehab team taught her exercises to gain back her strength so she could move around her home, and our dietitian taught her the benefit of eating smaller meals to help manage the symptoms of her condition.”
Twice a week the Saint Joseph PACE van picks Edie up at her home and brings her to the center. Her day begins with breakfast and visiting with friends. By mid-morning she has met with her rehab team to exercise and the clinical manager to see how she is managing her self-care. Afternoons are left for more socializing, or for meeting with other staff such as social workers or chaplains as needed. By mid-afternoon, Edie is ready to go back home on the van with a few more tools than she came with for living independently.
“Each individual has a different set of needs,” added Quinn. “At PACE, we are able to assess and manage those needs while enabling our participants to live on their own.”
“I feel safe and comfortable here,” said Edie. “It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
For more information on Saint Joseph PACE, call 574-247-8700, or visit npaonline.org or sjmed.com/PACE. It is located at 250 E. Day Road in Mishawaka.
A representative from PACE will be our guest on the Morning Chat at 8:35 Wednesday Morning on WTCA AM 1050 & FM 106.1
