County’s human services providers host speaker from senior services organization

Jasper County Human Services providers learned about Immanuel Pathways PACE, A Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, at its regular meeting Wednesday morning and how the organization is pushing to further its visibility in Jasper County.

Immanuel Pathways PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid funded program centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of people meeting nursing facility level of care to be served in their homes and communities when possible.

Gina Graham, of Immanuel Pathways, said the Christ-centered organization provides services in nine central Iowa counties including Jasper County, for individuals 55 and older.

“Jasper County has a lot of seniors who are falling through the cracks and need help,” Graham said. “We also need more local contracted providers in Jasper County so individuals don’t have to travel as much for specialty services.”

To be eligible for PACE services, individuals must be assessed and meet nursing facility level of care criteria and must be able to live safely with the services of the PACE organization at the time of enrollment.

PACE providers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Providers can follow the participant across all care settings, including the home, assisted living, hospital and nursing home.

“Along with home care, we provide physical therapists, occupational therapists, prescription assistance, and we provide dietitians and social workers,” Graham said.

Graham said on average PACE participants spend 75 percent less number of days in the hospital when admitted and have better coordinated access to much needed health care and services.

“PACE treats the whole person, not just medical conditions,” Graham said. “We helped a woman who was suffering from COPD, and she was in need of an air conditioner, and we provided her with one.”

Graham said there aren’t seniors currently in Jasper County who are enrolled in PACE but she hopes to gain interest from people who are 55 and older.

“Education is key,” Graham said. “We want to make sure people know that we are an option.”

PACE offers a Medicare and Medicaid funded packaged program rather than traditional fee-for-service.

To apply for enrollment for PACE, contact Immanuel Pathways of Central Iowa at 515-270-5000.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com