UVA School of Medicine

the day center program at Blue Ridge PaCE, a federally and state-supported health care program for disabled older adults, pro- vides participants with important social stimu- lation as a way to help them stay connected and maintain a sense of community. But it's only one facet of this comprehensive model of care that seeks to allow eligible older adults to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. PaCE (Program for all-inclusive Care for the Elderly), is a comprehensive primary care HMO model that covers all health-related services for disabled older adults who meet eligibility criteria established by Medicaid and Medicare. in addition to the day center, the interdisciplinary program provides transpor- tation, medications, home care, physical and occupational therapy, primary, acute and spe- cialty medical care, even showers for those whose homes can't accommodate their hy- giene needs. "We keep close track of our participants, so if they start to slip or they become acutely ill, we are able to intervene quickly," says Mark a. Newbrough, MD, medical director for Blue Ridge PaCE. Even if PaCE participants need specialty or hospital care, the team of nurses, therapists, social workers and primary care physicians stays involved, helping outside caregivers stay informed about the medical conditions of patients and supporting their participation in care planning. the goal is that the prescribed medical care not only makes sense for the conditions of PaCE patients but also aligns with their long-term wishes. Developed as a partnership between UVa Medical Center, Jefferson area Board on ag- ing (JaBa) and Riverside Health systems, an integrated health system in eastern Virginia, Blue Ridge PaCE, which opened in March Blue Ridge PACE, a partnership between Riverside Health System, The University of Virginia Medical Center, and the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly serving seniors who live in Charlottesville and surrounding counties. The PACE team of health care professionals offers medical care, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional services, medical social work services, and home care services. "UVA geriatrics is developing the capacity to help manage care across the continuum. We can provide that outreach to the community, those extra services that will improve the quality of life for our older patients." – marK a neWbrough, md 19 Vitals Spring 2016

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