Gloucester’s PACE Program Helps Elders Stay in Their Homes

www.wickedlocal.com

March 6, 2009

Martha Anderson, center, is congratulated by PACE personal care assistant Joanne Frontiero, right, after winning a game of Bingo.

Gloucester’s PACE program has recruited 57 men and women who need assistance for at least two activities of daily living, but who prefer staying in their own homes, since opening in July 2007. 

On a recent day at PACE, Martha Anderson slipped another red chip onto the card in front of her and, after a friend’s prodding, said the magic words: “Bingo!”

The 83-year-old woman walked steadily to a folding table nearby to claim her prize, shrugging her slender shoulders girlishly when teased about her win. She slipped back into her chair after choosing two coffee mugs decorated with blue whales.

The scene could have been in a church basement or any community center. Instead, it was part of Gloucester’s PACE, or Program of All-inclusive Care of the Elderly, at the Elder Service Plan of the North Shore.

And Anderson was no typical Bingo winner. In April 2007, she was in a local nursing home and was given a maximum of six months to live with her terminal illness. Now, 10 months after joining PACE, she lives at her Lanesville home and attends PACE five days a week.

“She is really an inspiration to us all,” said PACE site coordinator Diane Wood. “She never complains, ever.”

When asked what she enjoyed most at PACE, Anderson’s answer was immediate: “Everything. I enjoy the whole thing.”

PACE is a nationwide program with six branches along the North Shore. The program is one innovation in elder care that focuses on safeguarding seniors’ independence while meeting their complex physical, mental and social needs.

Since opening in July 2007, Gloucester’s PACE program has recruited 57 men and women who need assistance for at least two activities of daily living, but who prefer staying in their own homes. Participants must be at least 55 years old and, when accepted into the program, create an individual care plan with PACE staff addressing all their medical needs.

“This is a very exclusive health club,” explained nurse practitioner Dianne Haskins as she filled clients’ pillboxes. “You meet certain criteria and your whole well-being is taken care of.”

Participants’ physical and mental needs are covered under one roof. One physician, two nurses, a dietitian, physical and occupational therapy staff, a mental health specialist, and social worker make up PACE staff.

This team meets twice daily to review clients’ status.

“Sometimes [participants] tell to one person what they don’t tell to another,” Wood explained.

The facility is equipped with shower and dressing rooms, rehabilitation and exam rooms and a triage space – called the quiet room – for immediate medical care, such as blood draws, oxygen tanks or intravenous flows for dehydration.

Many participants suffer from chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol and cardiac problems. Others have been diagnosed with Parkinsons’ disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis or have a mental illness.

“A lot of participants come with a history of depression or anxiety,” Wood said.

At times PACE clients’ health takes a turn for the worse and they require 24-hour care. Multiple North Shore short- and long-term facilities contract with PACE to accommodate them as they recuperate. All costs are covered by PACE, and program staff visit clients for their medical care.

“We work closely together,” said Eric Noble, executive director of the Golden Living Center in Gloucester. “Our goal is to have their clients return back into the community as quickly as possible.”

Noble acknowledged that most people’s wish is to remain as independent as possible into later years.

“It is typically only when we can’t remain independent that we find ourselves in need of placements” in short- or long-term care, he said.

While some in PACE come every day, like Anderson, others prefer to stay at home and make occasional visits for their health care needs. PACE contracts with local home care agencies to ensure household chores are done or hot meals prepared.

“We sort of help them with everything, so they can live the best life they can,” Wood said.

Most participants qualify for free care through a combination of Medicare and Mass Health benefits, as the cut-off for gross monthly income is a maximum of $2,022, Wood said. Others pay a monthly fee for PACE services.

Wood said she did not know the cost per patient for PACE services, as the six North Shore programs receive a lump sum on a monthly basis from federal and state funds to cover patient costs.

Each day has its routine. First breakfast, then exercise, lunch and several activities – such as word games, horseshoes, or artwork. Everyone’s favorite is Bingo.

At midday on Wednesday, Feb. 25, a couple dozen PACE participants rummaged through Bingo cards, searching for their lucky numbers. They had just finished a hot lunch of broccoli and cheese soup and pasta casserole. Some still wore a smudged cross on their foreheads from Ash Wednesday services held on site earlier that day.

Anderson sat at a table with three other women. Each helped the other place chips when a number was called.

Helen Matta, of Gloucester, sat in her wheelchair next to Anderson. Her fingernails were perfectly polished in a coral hue. Like many participants, the two met through PACE and have become fast friends.

“I’ve been here a year and a half,” Matta said.
“You beat me,” Anderson teased. “You got here first.”

Activities director Louise Scialdone stopped by to brag about Anderson’s green thumb. As the former owner of Anderson’s Florist for 25 years, the downy haired gardener waters PACE’s indoor plants each week and maintains her own flower plot at home.

Matta and Anderson showered equal praise on PACE staff.
“The girls are so nice,” Matta said.

“They’ll do anything for you – anything within reason, naturally,” Anderson said.

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