Capital Campaign for PACE Program Kicks Off

Mar 14th, 2011

Spurred by a recommendation of the state’s Long Term Care (LTC) Rebalancing Committee, the Alabama Medicaid Agency has approved a program that will create a comprehensive, but flexible system of care for aged and disabled adults in Mobile and Baldwin counties who would otherwise reside in a nursing home.

The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) was started as a pilot program through CMS in the mid-1980’s and has proved successful. The PACE program will provide participants with community services and support based upon their individual needs designed by an interdisciplinary team. This program is different from home and community-based waiver programs in that the provider receives a set or capitated payment and is in turn responsible for total patient care including doctor, hospital, and nursing home care along with medications, lab tests and other services. Ray Moore, the co-chair of the capital campaign for PACE said, “this program will save the State of Alabama a lot of money in the long-run by keeping people in their homes and out of nursing homes for as long as possible. It is a win-win for all who are involved.”

According to the National PACE Association, there are 74 operational PACE programs serving more than 20,000 enrollees in 31 states. The typical PACE participant is very similar to the average nursing home resident. On average, the enrollee is 80 years old, has eight medical conditions and is limited in approximately three activities of daily living. Forty-nine percent of PACE participants have been diagnosed with dementia. Despite a need for a high level of care, more than 90 percent of PACE participants are able to continue to live in the community.

In order to qualify for PACE, a person must be 55 years of age or older, live in a PACE service area and be certified by the state to need nursing home-level of care. Although all PACE participants must be certified to need nursing home care to enroll in PACE, only about seven percent of PACE participants nationally reside in a nursing home. If a PACE enrollee does need nursing home care, the PACE program pays for it and continues to coordinate the enrollee's care.

Every PACE program has a health center where the care for each participant is coordinated, including clinical and rehabilitative services. Participants visit, socialize and build meaningful relationships with doctors, nurses and other program participants at the Center. Transportation to and from the Center is provided for the participants.

All PACE Centers have very specific requirements and those requirements are costly. A capital campaign has been kicked off to raise funds to build the first PACE Center in the state of Alabama in Mobile. There are numerous opportunities to give and have your gift recognized with a naming of a room or even the entire building itself. Tom Davis, a capital campaign committee member for PACE says, “Mobile County and the Crichton area are so fortunate to have the initial PACE program. This program will only grow in time and eventually go statewide. Giving to this program to get it started here first, is a great opportunity for any donor.”

“I love that this program will not only help our seniors, but it will create numerous jobs in the Crichton area. It is beneficial for all age groups and just one great reason to get behind PACE and support it,” said Britton Britt, co-chair of the capital campaign committee.

Councilman Fred Richardson has been supportive and an advocate for PACE coming to his district. “The Crichton and Trinity Gardens communities have truly lacked in medical services. PACE will close that gap. Mercy Medical, by bringing PACE to Mobile County, is bringing a medical opportunity that this community has never witnessed before. We welcome Mercy Medical and PACE to the Crichton community,” stated Councilman Richardson.

The need is great to fully fund this Center with $2.1 Million set as the goal.

Gifts to date include $100,000 from the Hearin Chandler Foundation, $50,000 in honor of Mr. Hugh McCaffrey and $25,000 in honor of Mrs. Mary Mapp.

“The need in Mobile County for a PACE Center is great, providing an option for older adults in our community to stay at home rather than in a nursing home. This program has proven to be beneficial and life-changing for thousands of frail elderly in our country. It is important to bring that opportunity to the frail elderly of our community”, said Jake Bell, president and CEO of Mercy Medical.

If you would like more information on how you can support the PACE Center and receive information on naming opportunities, please contact Sherry-Lea Bloodworth at 251-621-4873 or e-mail her at slb@mercymedical.com. Or Donna Hawkins Mitchell at 251-208-1936 or e-mail dmitchell@cityofmobile.org.

Photo Caption (attached): L to R Tom Davis, capital campaign committee member; Britton Britt, co-chair of capital campaign; Sherry-Lea Bloodworth, vice president of advocacy and development; Councilman Fred Richardson; Ray Moore, co-chair of capital campaign committee.