Aging with dignity, strength, and independence is something we all hope for, and for Colorado’s senior population, that dream is being realized through an extraordinary program known as Colorado PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). This non-profit health plan, operating under a Medicare contract, is transforming the way nursing home-eligible seniors live—by helping them remain in their homes and communities for as long as safely possible.
The essence of Colorado PACE lies in its deep commitment to seniors' health and independence. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, it provides a personalized, comprehensive care approach that recognizes each individual's unique needs and strengths. The result is a program that not only supports seniors medically but also emotionally, physically, and socially—offering a true lifeline to a better quality of life.
A Vision Rooted in Dignity and Independence
At its core, Colorado PACE exists to answer one vital question: How can we help seniors live healthier, fuller lives outside of institutional settings? The answer lies in the program's multi-layered, team-based approach. It allows seniors to receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting—most often their own home.
Colorado PACE emphasizes four key goals:
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Helping seniors stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
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Enabling them to remain in their homes and communities with loved ones.
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Supporting their strength and resilience to continue doing what they enjoy.
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Encouraging a focus on what seniors can do, rather than what they can’t.
This positive, strengths-based model honors the lived experiences of its participants and helps them continue making meaningful contributions to their families and communities.
The Power of the Interdisciplinary Team
What sets Colorado PACE apart from traditional healthcare systems is its interdisciplinary team (IDT) approach. Care is not just delivered—it's coordinated and customized. Every participant receives services through a team of professionals that includes:
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Primary Care Providers
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Registered Nurses
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Social Workers
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Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists
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Recreational Therapists
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Dietitians
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Home Care Coordinators
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Personal Care Attendants and Home Health Aides
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Transportation Drivers
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Day Center Managers
This team works collaboratively at the Colorado PACE Day Center to build and continuously monitor a personalized care plan tailored to each senior’s needs. By integrating services under one umbrella, Colorado PACE reduces the fragmentation that so often plagues our healthcare system.
This level of coordination ensures that participants receive timely interventions, continuous health monitoring, and quick responses to changes in condition—dramatically reducing the likelihood of hospitalization or institutionalization.
A Simpler, Stronger System for Seniors
For seniors, navigating healthcare can be overwhelming—especially when dealing with multiple providers, prescriptions, and appointments. Colorado PACE simplifies that burden. Services are available 24/7 and coordinated directly through the program. There are no deductibles or co-payments for approved services or medications, removing the financial stress that often accompanies aging.
What’s more, transportation to and from the PACE Day Center is arranged and included in the care plan. This not only ensures access to services but also enhances safety and convenience for participants and their families.
The PACE Day Center serves as a hub for care and community. It is where primary care is delivered, therapy sessions take place, and recreational activities help seniors stay engaged. The Day Center is more than a clinic—it’s a community environment where participants build relationships, receive social support, and stay active.
Support That Extends Beyond the Individual
Colorado PACE doesn’t just serve the individual—it supports caregivers and families, too. Providing care for a senior can be physically and emotionally taxing, but with PACE, families gain peace of mind knowing their loved one is supported by a team of dedicated professionals. Whether it’s home health assistance, respite care, or emotional support, PACE strengthens the entire care network.
Who Is Eligible?
To participate in Colorado PACE, individuals must:
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Be 55 or older
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Live in a Colorado PACE service area
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Be certified as eligible for nursing home care
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Be able to live safely in the community with PACE support
For those who qualify, the benefits are transformative. Instead of transitioning to a nursing home, seniors gain access to comprehensive care while remaining in the environment they cherish most—their home.
A Model Worth Expanding
In a healthcare landscape often dominated by impersonal systems and overburdened caregivers, Colorado PACE stands out as a beacon of hope. It’s a model that prioritizes people over procedures, dignity over dependency, and community over confinement.
As our population continues to age, programs like Colorado PACE will be essential in reshaping the future of elder care—not just in Colorado, but across the country. For now, Colorado PACE is doing what few others can: helping seniors live longer, healthier, and happier lives, one personalized care plan at a time.