More Than Heath Care

By Jen Campbell

Sweet Owen Contributor

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, known as PACE, is a comprehensive health care model designed to help older adults remain safely in their homes and communities while receiving the medical and supportive services they need. In Northern Kentucky, the PACE program is operated by Senior Community Care of Northern Kentucky, a service of Volunteers of America National Services, a nonprofit organization committed to compassionate, person-centered care.

Developed through Medicare and Medicaid, with a private-pay option, PACE serves seniors who qualify for a nursing home level of care but prefer to live independently. By integrating

medical care with social and emotional support, PACE helps participants maintain their health, dignity and quality of life while avoiding unnecessary institutionalization. PACE began operations in the region in August 2024.

PACE serves individuals who are 55 or older, live within one of eight Northern Kentucky counties, including Owen County, and meet state criteria for a nursing home level of care. Most participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, though individuals with Medicare only may also enroll through private-pay options. What sets PACE apart is its commitment to treating the whole person — not just medical conditions, but also the social connections and daily support that allow older adults to thrive.

At the heart of the program is an interdisciplinary care team that typically includes physicians or providers, nurses, social workers, therapists, dietitians, transportation staff and the center director. This team works collaboratively to create and regularly update personalized care plans based on each participant’s goals, preferences and changing needs. For many participants, this level of coordination brings a sense of security and belonging. As Donna, a PACE participant of more than a year, shared, “They don’t just get you to your appointments. They make you feel like family. There are so many laughs, activities and friendships at the day center. I feel like I belong again.”

Services Offered

PACE provides a broad range of services based on individual assessments, including primary and specialty medical care, prescription medications, preventive services, rehabilitation therapies, personal care and hospital care when needed. In addition, the program addresses key social determinants of health by offering adult day health services, meals, transportation, personal care assistance and caregiver support. Many of these services are delivered at the Senior Community Care of Northern Kentucky PACE Center, where participants can receive medical care, socialize, and engage in therapeutic and recreational activities that reduce isolation and promote overall well-being.

A defining strength of PACE is its focus on preventive and proactive care. Because PACE organizations receive a fixed monthly payment per participant, they are encouraged to prioritize early intervention, closely monitor chronic conditions and build ongoing relationships. This approach helps prevent health crises before they occur and supports participants in aging safely at home. Families often notice the difference as well. One caregiver, Claudia, said, “PACE has given my parents a place where they feel safe, loved and connected each day. It’s more than just a program to us — it’s a community that has become part of our family.”

Ultimately, PACE is about more than health care. It is about honoring life experiences, preserving independence and ensuring older adults feel valued and supported. Operated by a trusted nonprofit organization, PACE combines comprehensive medical care with meaningful human connection, offering a compassionate and effective approach to aging with dignity.

For more information or to discuss eligibility, contact Senior Community Care of Northern Kentucky at 859-970-2450 or visit seniorcommunitycarenky.org.