September marks National PACE Month, an opportunity to celebrate Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and its ability to keep seniors living in their own homes as long as possible. Here in our community, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE program is making a tangible difference in improving local seniors’ health by giving them the critical resources and support they need to thrive.

BCSC PACE helps coordinate care for seniors by providing them with all-inclusive primary care services, specialty healthcare services, adult day healthcare, transportation and meals. It’s a total gamechanger for program participants, says Paige Yaffe, director of rehabilitation at BCSC PACE.

“It can be a challenge for anybody, but especially for older adults, to navigate the current healthcare system, and at BCSC PACE, we take care of all of that for them—making their appointments, driving them to the doctor, and ensuring they receive proper nutrition and medical management,” Paige says. “Our program is wonderful because it removes seniors’ stress about having to take care of their basic needs and allows them instead to start enjoying this phase of their lives.”

A central component of BCSC PACE is offering seniors essential tools to help them live independently. This hands-on, in-home service distinguishes BCSC PACE from most other healthcare programs.

“We do home safety assessments—something Medicare and HMOs typically don’t do—evaluating people in their own environments and figuring out what will help keep them safe and independent,” Paige says. “That could mean installing grab bars in their showers, putting ramps on their steps so they can get in and out of their homes with the use of a wheelchair or walker, or putting in adaptive equipment to make it easier for them to turn on the stove or open their doors. It’s very gratifying for me as an occupational therapist because I get to see what’s important to our seniors and then figure out how to help them accomplish it.”

BCSC PACE has been an indispensable ally and advocate for so many seniors across Los Angeles, including:

Guadalupe, an 88-year-old woman who fell in her apartment and broke her hip. After weeks in the hospital, where she underwent both complex hip repair and heart surgery, she was unable to walk or stand for several months. The BCSC PACE team provided vital therapy, and with patience and hard work, Guadalupe can now walk for short distances with a walker and use the bathroom instead of being bedbound for her self-care. She is also able to come to BCSC PACE to participate in activities and socialize with friends.

Daniel, a 63-year-old man who built a celebrated career as a chef. He suffered a severe stroke but received very little after care, which left him unable to walk, speak or take care of his basic needs. With extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapies at BCSC PACE, Daniel can now walk with a cane and uses a white board to express his thoughts and desires. Today, he is even starting to participate in cooking activities at BCSC PACE, which allows him to reconnect with a core part of his identity.

“BCSC PACE does so much good for so many people that it’s hard to capture it all in just a couple of stories,” Paige says. “I think what makes it so successful is that we evaluate seniors from top to bottom, not just treating one diagnosis or issue, but instead trying to figure out holistically how we can help secure their safety and improve their quality of life.”

In honor of National PACE Month, this September BCSC PACE will host special events at its Reseda and West Los Angeles locations featuring musical entertainment, games, dancing, and a special menu.

“We’re so excited to celebrate our program, the people who make it possible, and the seniors who benefit every day,” Paige says. “BCSC PACE is a place where people can come to be connected with services that help them find joy. Everybody deserves to find happiness, no matter their age!”