FHCN to Open PACE Adult Day Care Center

Family HealthCare Network's (FHCN) PACE adult daycare in downtown Visalia is scheduled to open in July, and many services will be available on the first day of operation, according to Stacey Beachy, vice president of marketing and public relations for FHCN.

The 25,000-square-foot facility and its parking lot fill all of the 1.75 acres on the block surrounded by Murray Avenue, Tipton Street, School Avenue and Santa Fe Street, with the two-story building facing School Avenue.

"The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) represents an innovative healthcare model designed to meet the comprehensive needs of elderly individuals eligible for nursing home care but who prefer to live independently in their homes and communities," said Beachy.

She added that PACE "delivers a full spectrum of medical, social and rehabilitative services tailored to seniors' needs, facilitating a holistic approach to their health and wellness."

A key objective of PACE is to ensure that seniors receive coordinated care that enables them to maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

"By centralizing services and fostering a team-based approach to care management, PACE effectively addresses the complex health issues faced by elderly individuals, minimizes the need for hospitalization or skilled nursing care, and drives down costs," said Beachy.

The PACE interdisciplinary team is typically comprised of doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists and other healthcare professionals who collaboratively develop and implement personalized care plans for each participant, she explained.

"The PACE model satisfies all our goals to meet the unique needs of our elderly patients, whom we will identify as participants," she added. "The PACE program represents a national initiative to prevent the unnecessary use of hospitals and nursing home care by the elderly population."

FHCN PACE will offer a range of services to the local senior community, with each customized care plan tailored to the individual needs of patient participants.

Services will include adult day health care, primary care, behavioral health services, dental services, emergency services, home health care, lab services, x-ray and radiology, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

PACE offers access to dental services, x-ray services, nutrition counseling and physical therapy. Transportation to and from the center will be offered.

The large day center room on the first floor will be surrounded by activity rooms, a memory care activity room, physical therapy rooms, offices, a kitchen, a salon, examination rooms, private therapy rooms and consultation rooms. The second floor will include a conference room, break room and additional offices.

The large room on the first floor of the center will also be used to host events.

Project Partners

"The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health Care Services (DCHS) have been fantastic partners throughout the past year in developing this new medical service," said Beachy.

FHCN PACE is funded by Medicare and Medicaid, and the PACE program accepts full financial risk for all medically necessary services. The capital project is funded through Family HealthCare Network's operational financial cash flows and a building loan.

In-Home Visits

In addition to the services offered at the new downtown Visalia daycare, services will also be provided to seniors in their own homes.

"In-home visits for local senior residents provide a crucial opportunity for seniors to receive the care they need in the comfort of their surroundings, eliminating the need to travel when they may lack the resources or mobility to do so," said Beachy.

"This personalized approach ensures that seniors can access essential services and promotes their well-being and independence."

To register or for more information, call (877) 326-7223 or visit http://www.fhcn.org/PACE.