From the Worcester Telegram & Gazette April 18, 2006
By Debbie LaPlaca, CORRESPONDENT
CHARLTON— A new program in Central Massachusetts is giving area
Ms. Pelletier reacts to the bowling at the ElderCare
program. |
elders an alternative to nursing home care by providing comprehensive services in and out of their homes.
The only service of its kind in Central Massachusetts, Fallon Community Health Plan’s Summit ElderCare is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, known as PACE. The program provides comprehensive medical care, prescription drugs, home support services, transportation and adult day care.
The PACE model was developed in San Francisco during the 1970s as an alternative to nursing home care. Its success, and subsequent funding by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led to its replication.
Today, Massachusetts is home to six of the 40 PACE programs operating nationwide.
Fallon's Summit ElderCare, in the Summit section of Worcester for more than 10 years, expanded in January to a new center on the Overlook Masonic Health Center campus in Charlton.
The service is for those 55 and older, and although the program is sponsored by Fallon Community Health Plan, a participant need not be a health plan member.
ElderCare Site Director Valerie Mancini said 35 people are enrolled in the Charlton program and about 20 visit the center each day.
Activities Assistant Sue Abraham is a high-spirited leader for the elders at the center and is known to greet people while wearing tap shoes. Her energy, enthusiasm and occasional dance steps engage participants in games, crafts and song.
"Singing is the most important part of our day," Ms. Abraham said, adding, "It's the best therapy in the world."
During a game of “chair bowling,” ElderCare participant Kathleen Rutana said she looks forward to the activities part of her day and refers to Ms. Abraham as “the life of the party.”
Ms. Rutana lives in Oxford and has been spending three days a week at the center since February.
"I love coming here. Otherwise, I’m alone and don’t see anybody," she said.
Vivacious participant Jennie Norowski, whose age, she said, is "83 big years!" traveled from her home in Webster to Worcester ElderCare for more than six years. She now attends the Charlton center, using transportation services provided by ElderCare.
"I never thought I’d be doing this," she said, explaining her preconceived dislike for senior day care programs. "My son said they do a lot of bingo, and I hate bingo!"
That was then. Today Ms. Norowski beams as she takes her turn bowling and speaks of the many crafts and activities she enjoys at the center two days a week.
As for the food, Lillian Paris of Webster, who attends two days a week, said, "The cafeteria food here is fabulous!"
Karen Longo, Summit ElderCare executive director, said the all-inclusive program provides meals, medication, health monitoring, transportation and family support services to allow elders to remain in their homes as long as is medically and socially possible.
"Our primary mission is to allow people to remain in their own home safely," she said.
The Charlton center has more than 5,000 square feet of open and expansive space designed for comfort, while efficiently planned for function.
Doctors visit the center to examine participants regularly, while daily care is administered by an interdisciplinary team of geriatric care professionals, who are on call 24 hours a day.
"We share the care," Ms. Longo said of the round-the-clock and home support for caregivers.
Fallon chose Charlton after a demographic study of participants from its Worcester facility.
"Massachusetts is a pioneer for PACE programs, and we are the only one in Central Mass.," Ms. Longo said.
ElderCare’s current space is temporary, with preparations under way to move into a permanent location on the Overlook Masonic Health Center campus in July. Ms. Longo said a future expansion is planned for the Fitchburg-Leominster area.