Helping seniors stay home and caregivers stay strong
At Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) the benefits available to seniors who qualify for the program are clear – a specialized care plan tailored specifically to individual needs, comprehensive coordinated care from one source, transportation to the day center and specialist appointments, social opportunities, meals, connection and more.
A secondary benefit of the program, and one that may not be as instantly recognized, is the benefit the program provides in-home caregivers.
The PACE program at Bluestem Communities and throughout the nation is lauded for its ability to help seniors remain living safely in their own homes as long as possible. Participants in the program often see the most success when they have care support at home as well as through the program. Through a team effort between in-home caregivers and the resources and staff at the PACE program, seniors thrive and caregivers receive some relief from the stresses of caregiving.
For Jamie, whose father, Michael, is a participant at Bluestem PACE, having peace of mind about his care and well-being is one of the biggest benefits she reaps from the program.
“Dad was diagnosed with dementia in 2019,” Jamie shared. “He moved in with me and my husband, but I also work outside the home, so that posed some logistical challenges. Finding PACE was a godsend!”
Instead of being home alone while his family works, Michael goes to the day center in McPherson five days a week where he receives transportation from his home in Salina, compassionate care from an on-site physician and staff who can monitor his status at anytime, and social connections with others.
“It can be difficult to know what’s going on day-to-day with someone living with dementia, but the fact that he gets up and goes everyday tells me he enjoys it,” Jamie said. “We had tried another place before PACE and it didn’t take long before he said he wouldn’t go back there. With the PACE drivers and other staff, he seems to remember them from day to day, and the socialization and being around other people has been good for him. He’s doing well.”
Jamie has the peace of mind knowing her dad is safe and well cared for while she is away at work every day.
“Anytime I have questions or concerns, I can call and talk to the nurse or doctor,” Jamie said. “It’s a blessing to have the doctor right there on site in case he needs some kind of medical care while he’s at the center. We also don’t have to worry about getting him from one place to another for general doctor visits. PACE coordinates that. They’ve even been able to arrange respite care for dad when we went away on vacation. The support the staff give dad and us has really meant a lot.”
That model of support and care has also resonated for Holly, whose mother, Kay, is a PACE participant and attends the day center three days a week.
“After my dad died, mom lost her driver’s license, which meant she also lost some of her independence,” said Holly. “She was just sitting at home all day while I was at work, and we wanted something that would give her more social interaction. Besides the social aspect, PACE has been a wonderful partner in keeping an eye on mom’s health and well-being.”
Holly notices significant differences in her mother’s improved cognition and energy when she spends a day at the Bluestem PACE day center versus when she stays home alone all day, and she attributes that to the social interaction and stimulation she receives at PACE.
She also admits to the toll caregiving can have on a person – mentally, emotionally and physically – and she’s grateful to not be walking that road alone.
“For me, it’s been wonderful not worrying if mom is eating enough, if she’s taking the right medications or getting the proper care,” said Holly. “I am in close communication with the PACE staff who are an extra set of eyes in being able to observe how she’s doing. Working as a team, we’re able to see trends and habits that might indicate something is changing or she needs a certain kind of care. They can tell me what to look for when she comes home so we can offer the best care to her.”
At Bluestem PACE, overarching goals are to support participants in achieving the best possible health outcomes to live full, authentic and meaningful lives. Through a strong team-based partnership between PACE and the home, these goals become not only attainable, but sustainable.
To learn more about Bluestem PACE for you, a friend or loved one, visit bluestempace.org or call 844-588-7223.