AltaMed Health Services Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly  (PACE) Celebrates National PACE Month 

PACE Provides Comprehensive Health Services to Keep Seniors Out of Nursing Homes 

 LOS ANGELES – September 19, 2022 – The AltaMed Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which operates the largest PACE in California, is celebrating National PACE Month in September. This year’s National PACE Association (NPA) theme is “PACE: This Is the Place for Me,” which highlights the innovative model of care that allows seniors with long-term care needs to avoid nursing homes and remain living safely and independently in their community for as long as possible.  

Each participant in AltaMed PACE has a dedicated team of staff and specialists who provide personalized health care. Those who enroll in the program receive a comprehensive care plan designed to address their health needs and reduce their risks factors. PACE offers health care coordination, transportation, social services, physical therapy, pharmacy services, social engagement and meals in a culturally competent environment.  

“PACE is an affordable senior care solution that makes a positive impact among our aging community and their caregivers,” says Esiquio Casillas, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of AltaMed PACE. “For more than two decades, we’ve been proud to help seniors be more socially engaged with their peers, live longer, healthier and independently in their homes with comprehensive services that cater to the individual’s needs.” 

Guadalupe Bolanos Pacheco, 77, of Los Angeles says AltaMed PACE has treated her with compassion and has provided medical care that has transformed her life. As a breast cancer survivor, she thanks Dr. Mercedes Montalvo at PACE for diagnosing her early and saving her life. At PACE, Pacheco enjoys socializing with peers and the center’s staff, coloring, and various activities hosted at her location. Pacheco says AltaMed PACE represents hope and she credits her ability to live a healthy and happy life to the attentiveness and warmth of the program’s staff. 

According to the National PACE Association (NPA), the rate of PACE residents that have died from COVID-19 is one third lower than for nursing home residents. The rate of cases among PACE participants was also one third lower than nursing home residents. 

 Around the country, PACE is a growing care model that has been in operation for more than 30 years. Nearly 60,000 seniors are enrolled in PACE, with 144 PACE organizations operating in 30 states. 

AltaMed PACE has eleven sites that serve more than 4,000 seniors in 60 cities throughout Los Angeles County and the program recently expanded into Orange County.  

To learn more about AltaMed PACE, visit www.altamed.org/PACE or call: (855) 252-PACE or (855) 252-7223.