The Hidden Challenge Facing Aurora Caregivers — And the Support Many F

When an older adult needs frequent medical attention, help with daily activities, rehabilitation, transportation, and medication management, families often find themselves coordinating several providers at once. Appointments may be spread across Denver, caregivers may have work and family responsibilities, and changes in health can make it difficult for an older adult to continue living safely at home.PACE programs offer another option.The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, commonly called PACE, combines medical care, long-term services, transportation, rehabilitation, social support, and other approved services into one coordinated program. For eligible Denver-area adults, PACE may provide the structure needed to remain at home instead of moving immediately into a nursing facility.The three PACE providers below serve different parts of Denver and the surrounding metropolitan area. This guide is not a clinical ranking. It is designed to help families understand each program, compare service areas, and know which questions to ask before enrollment.What Is a PACE Program?PACE is a comprehensive Medicare and Medicaid program for older adults who need a nursing home level of care but may be able to continue living safely in the community with coordinated support.Instead of asking families to independently manage primary care, specialists, prescriptions, rehabilitation, home assistance, transportation, and social services, PACE brings these needs under one care plan. An interdisciplinary team evaluates the participant and determines which services are medically necessary.PACE services may include: Primary and preventive medical care Prescription medications Nursing services Physical, occupational, and speech therapy Behavioral health services Home care and personal assistance Adult day services and meals Medical transportation Dental and vision services Specialist appointments Hospital and emergency care Medical equipment Respite care Skilled nursing or nursing facility care when needed Social work and caregiver support PACE covers Medicare- and Medicaid-covered services, along with additional services approved by the participants PACE care team. Participants generally receive their care through the PACE organization and its approved provider network.Who Qualifies for PACE in Colorado?PACE is intended for people with significant health or daily living needs. In Colorado, applicants generally must: Be at least 55 years old Live within the providers approved service area Meet Colorados requirements for a nursing facility level of care Be able to live safely in the community with help from PACE at the time of enrollment Meeting the age requirement alone does not guarantee enrollment. The PACE organization completes medical, functional, social, and home assessments to determine whether the program is appropriate.People who have both Medicare and Medicaid may have little or no monthly cost. Medicare beneficiaries who do not qualify for Medicaid may be responsible for monthly premiums. There are generally no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance charges for medications, services, or care approved by the PACE team.1. Colorado PACE Phone: 303-381-1234Colorado PACE is a nonprofit senior healthcare organization serving eligible older adults throughout many Denver-area communities. Its PACE day center and clinic are located at 13650 East Mississippi Avenue in Aurora.The organization serves numerous ZIP codes in Denver, Aurora, Englewood, Littleton, Lakewood, Westminster, Commerce City, Thornton, Golden, Morrison, Wheat Ridge, and other nearby communities. Because eligibility is based on a participants exact home address, families should confirm their ZIP code directly with the enrollment team.Coordinated Care Through One TeamEach Colorado PACE participant receives an individualized care plan developed by an interdisciplinary team. Depending on the participants needs, the team may include: A primary care provider Registered nurses Social workers Physical, occupational, and speech therapists Recreational therapists A dietitian Home care coordinators Personal care attendants Transportation staff Day center staff This team coordinates the participants healthcare, medications, therapies, home support, transportation, and social needs. Care plans can be updated as the participants health or living situation changes.2. InnovAge Colorado PACE Phone: 720-538-9978InnovAge Colorado PACE operates several centers across Colorado, including locations in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Northern Colorado, and Pueblo.The InnovAge Denver PACE center is located at 1265 South Broadway. The center opened in 2013 and later moved to its South Broadway location. Features include two patios, a clinical exercise gym, activity areas, and walking space inside the building. Participants may take part in activities such as bingo, group programs, and outings to local attractions.A Broad Range of Healthcare ServicesInnovAge uses an interdisciplinary care team to create and regularly update each participants plan. Its PACE benefits may include: Primary and preventive care Behavioral healthcare Prescription and medication management Dental and vision care Physical, occupational, and speech therapy Home assistance Nutrition services and meals Specialist care Emergency and hospital care Respite services Medical equipment Post-hospital care Nursing facility care when necessary Participants generally receive non-emergency healthcare from InnovAge or providers authorized by InnovAge. Families should ask whether current doctors or specialists participate in the network before enrolling.3. TRU PACE Phone: 303-665-0115TRU PACE is based in Lafayette and primarily serves Boulder and Broomfield counties, along with portions of Weld, Adams, and Jefferson counties.Although its center is not located within Denver city limits, it may be relevant to families in northern and northwestern Denver metro communities. Eligibility is determined by the applicants exact ZIP code, so families should contact TRU PACE before assuming that a particular address is covered.Medical and Long-Term Care CoordinationTRU PACE combines preventive care, primary care, rehabilitation, home support, transportation, and long-term services into one coordinated plan.Services may include: Primary medical care Nursing support Medication management Physical and rehabilitation therapy Specialty care Nutrition services Social work Home care when needed Transportation Day center activities and meals The program begins by learning about the older adults health, daily routines, home environment, and personal goals. The care team then completes an assessment and develops a plan based on the participants medical and social needs.How to Compare Denver PACE ProgramsPACE programs follow the same general federal and state model, but their centers, service areas, provider networks, transportation schedules, and enrollment processes differ.Before choosing a program, ask each organization:Does My Address Qualify?Service areas are based on exact ZIP codes, not simply the city or county name. Confirm eligibility using the older adults permanent home address.Can the Participant Keep Current Doctors?PACE becomes the participants primary source for covered medical and long-term care services. Some existing specialists may be available through the PACE network, while others may not be.What Services Will Be Provided at Home?Ask how the care team determines eligibility for personal care, skilled home health, meal support, medical equipment, or safety modifications.How Does Transportation Work?Find out whether transportation is provided from the front door, how much notice appointments require, whether wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available, and how long a typical trip may take.How Often Will the Participant Attend the Center?Attendance varies according to the care plan. Some participants may attend several times a week, while others may receive more support at home.What Will the Program Cost?Ask the enrollment team to review Medicare, Medicaid, income, assets, premiums, and any potential personal responsibility before signing an enrollment agreement.What Happens in an Emergency?PACE covers emergency care, but families should understand whom to call, which hospitals may be used, and how the PACE team should be notified after emergency treatment.Why PACE Matters Locally in DenverDenver-area families often travel significant distances between primary care offices, rehabilitation clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and specialists. Traffic, winter weather, parking, and limited access to reliable transportation can make frequent appointments difficult for an older adult.PACE addresses many of these challenges by coordinating transportation and bringing multiple services into one center. Instead of expecting a family caregiver to arrange every appointment independently, the PACE team manages approved services through a single care plan.This model can also help when an older adults needs fall between traditional home care and full-time nursing facility care. A participant may need substantial daily support but still strongly prefer to remain in a familiar Denver-area home or apartment.For caregivers, PACE may provide: One primary team to contact Help coordinating specialists Transportation support Medication oversight Access to home services Rehabilitation and fall-prevention support Social engagement for the older adult Guidance when health needs change PACE will not be the right fit for every family. Participants generally must use the programs healthcare team and authorized network. However, for eligible adults who need several types of support, it can provide a more coordinated alternative to managing each service separately. Related Senior Care CategoriesAdult Day Programs Care Management Services Rehabilitation Services   This article was researched and written by Seniors Blue Book. Seniors Blue Book connects seniors, families, and caregivers with trusted local senior care resources across the country. Browse local listings, read expert articles, and order a free printed guide at seniorsbluebook.com.

One Care Team Can Simplify Aging at Home in Grand JunctionFor many older adults in Grand Junction, staying at home represents far more than remaining at a familiar address. Home may mean morning light over the Book Cliffs, a favorite chair near the window, neighbors who have become friends, and family traditions built over decades on Colorados Western Slope.However, continuing to live at home can become difficult when medical needs grow more complex. One specialist may manage heart disease, another may monitor diabetes, and a family caregiver may be responsible for medications, transportation, meals, personal care, and emergency decisions. Even dedicated families can feel overwhelmed when care is spread across multiple offices and organizations.HopeWest PACE offers a different approach. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly coordinates medical, social, rehabilitation, transportation, medication, and long-term support services through one interdisciplinary team. Its purpose is to help eligible older adults remain healthy and live safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible.Why Fragmented Senior Care Becomes DifficultOlder adults with several health conditions often have complicated care schedules. A typical month may involve primary care appointments, laboratory testing, pharmacy visits, physical therapy, specialist consultations, and follow-up calls.When providers do not have the same information, families may need to repeatedly explain medications, symptoms, and recent hospital visits. Transportation can become another barrier, especially when an older adult no longer drives or has difficulty getting into a standard vehicle.Family caregivers frequently become the unofficial coordinators of all these moving pieces. They may spend hours making calls, arranging rides, picking up prescriptions, and trying to understand medical instructions.PACE is designed to reduce this fragmentation by bringing services together under a coordinated care plan.What Does PACE Mean?PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It is a Medicare and Medicaid program that combines healthcare, social services, and long-term support for older adults who need a nursing-home level of care but can continue living safely in the community with assistance.Instead of asking families to coordinate every provider independently, a PACE organization uses an interdisciplinary team to assess the participants needs and develop a personalized care plan.HopeWest PACE serves eligible seniors in Mesa County from its Grand Junction location at the Bacon Center for Living Your Best, 2754 Compass Drive.One Team Looking at the Whole PersonHealth is influenced by more than diagnoses and medications. Nutrition, mobility, emotional well-being, social connection, home safety, and access to transportation can all affect whether an older adult remains independent.HopeWest describes its PACE model as person-centered, balancing participants medical, emotional, physical, and social needs. Its reported benefits include primary care, medication management, physical therapy, transportation, and social support.Depending on an individuals approved care plan, PACE services may include:Primary and preventive medical carePrescription drug coverage and medication managementNursing servicesPhysical and occupational therapyTransportation to approved appointmentsSocial work and caregiver guidancePersonal care assistanceRecreational and social activitiesMeals and nutritional supportSpecialist and hospital care when authorizedMedical equipment and home-based servicesPACE participants receive services through the organizations care network. Families should ask how current doctors, specialists, pharmacies, and insurance coverage may be affected before enrollment.As Hannah Cunningham explains in this draft quote for approval, Older adults should not have to choose between getting the support they need and remaining connected to the home and community they love. PACE brings people together around one plan so seniors and families have guidance at every step.How the PACE Team Builds a Care PlanEnrollment begins with a detailed assessment. The team learns about the older adults medical conditions, medications, mobility, daily routines, home environment, nutritional needs, emotional health, and personal goals.The team may include physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, personal care professionals, transportation staff, dietitians, and other specialists. Team members communicate with one another and review the care plan as the participants needs change.This collaborative structure can be especially useful following a hospitalization, fall, medication change, or new diagnosis. Instead of leaving the family to contact several providers separately, the PACE team can evaluate how the change affects the participants full plan.Who May Qualify for PACE?Medicare explains that a person generally must meet four primary requirements to enroll in PACE:Be at least 55 years oldLive within the PACE organizations service areaNeed a nursing-home level of care, as certified by the stateBe able to live safely in the community with PACE supportNeeding a nursing-home level of care does not mean the individual must already live in a nursing facility. It means the person has medical or functional needs significant enough to meet the states established criteria.A HopeWest PACE representative can explain the assessment and enrollment process and determine whether an applicant lives within the current service area.PACE Is Also Support for Family CaregiversThe benefits of coordinated care extend beyond the participant. Family members often experience relief when they know there is a team helping monitor health changes and arrange approved services.PACE does not eliminate the familys role. Instead, it can make that role more manageable.Caregivers may receive guidance about:Changes in mobility or memoryMedication routinesNutrition and hydrationHome safetyWarning signs that require medical attentionAvailable personal care servicesTransportation arrangementsLong-term planningThis guidance can be particularly valuable in Grand Junction, where adult children may live in Denver, Salt Lake City, or another distant community. A coordinated local team provides an additional connection to the older adults daily well-being.Life Beyond Medical AppointmentsOne of the most distinctive features of PACE is its attention to social health. Isolation can become a concern when older adults stop driving, experience hearing or mobility limitations, or lose longtime friends and spouses.The PACE center can offer opportunities for participants to enjoy meals, activities, rehabilitation, conversation, and community in one accessible setting. HopeWest identifies medical, social, and emotional support as central parts of its Grand Junction program.These experiences can restore structure to the week and give participants something to anticipate. Social interaction also allows team members to notice changes that may not be obvious during an occasional medical appointment.Questions to Ask Before EnrollingPACE is comprehensive, so enrollment is an important healthcare decision. Families should ask detailed questions before making a commitment.Consider asking:Which neighborhoods and Mesa County communities are served?Which current doctors can the participant continue seeing?How are specialist appointments authorized?What transportation is provided?Which prescriptions and medical equipment are included?How often may the participant attend the PACE center?What happens during an emergency or hospitalization?Are there costs based on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility?How does enrollment affect existing insurance coverage?Medicare notes that PACE includes prescription drug coverage. Participants should not enroll in a separate Medicare drug plan because doing so may end their PACE enrollment.Explore HopeWest PACE in Grand JunctionAging at home can remain possible even when an older adult needs substantial medical and daily support. The key is having a care system that sees the complete person rather than treating each need separately.HopeWest PACE gives eligible Grand Junction seniors access to one coordinated team, one personalized plan, and a broad range of services designed to support safety, health, and community living.Visit the HopeWest PACE listing on SeniorsBlueBook.com to find current contact information, learn more about eligibility, and begin a conversation about coordinated senior care in Mesa County.Frequently Asked Questions About PACEIs HopeWest PACE the Same as Hospice?No. PACE is a long-term healthcare program for eligible adults age 55 and older who can live safely in the community with support. Hospice is specialized care for people with a terminal illness who meet separate medical eligibility requirements.Must a Participant Attend the PACE Center Every Day?Not necessarily. Attendance and services are based on the participants individualized care plan. Some support may also be provided at home or through approved community providers.Can Someone Join PACE With Medicare but Not Medicaid?PACE may be available to people with Medicare, Medicaid, or both, although premiums or other financial responsibilities can vary. Families should request an individualized cost explanation before enrolling.Does PACE Provide Transportation in Grand Junction?Transportation is among the services HopeWest identifies as part of its comprehensive PACE benefits. The care team determines which transportation services are authorized in each participants plan.How Can a Family Contact HopeWest PACE?HopeWest lists its PACE center at 2754 Compass Drive in Grand Junction and its PACE telephone number as 970-255-7223.

Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director Visits Rocky Mountain PACE at Pikes PeakCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Rocky Mountain PACE at Pikes Peak recently welcomed Victoria Seaman, Regional Director with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for a visit focused on the vital role the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plays in supporting older adults and strengthening healthcare services within communities.During the visit, Victoria Seaman met with Andi McDonough, Vice President of External Relations, and Melissa Kerr, Senior Vice President of Growth & Retention, to discuss the opportunities PACE provides to both state and federal government partners through its innovative, integrated model of care.The discussion highlighted how PACE programs help eligible older adults remain living independently in their homes while receiving comprehensive medical care, social services, rehabilitation, transportation, and other essential supports through a coordinated care approach.As part of the visit, Seaman toured the Rocky Mountain PACE at Pikes Peak center, where she had the opportunity to see recent facility enhancements designed to improve the participant experience. The tour included a look at several upgrades throughout the center, including the new on-site dental suite, which expands access to comprehensive oral healthcare services for participants.We were honored to welcome Regional Director Seaman to Rocky Mountain PACE at Pikes Peak, said Andi McDonough. Her visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase how the PACE model supports older adults, improves health outcomes, and serves as an important resource for our community and government partners.Rocky Mountain PACE leaders shared insights into the organizations commitment to providing person-centered care and discussed the continued growth and impact of PACE programs across Colorado and beyond.The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and government agencies to ensure older adults have access to high-quality, coordinated care that promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life.Melissa Kerr Senior VP Growth & Retention Rocky Mountain PACE (719) 314-2327 Email: [email protected] Phone: (719) 314-2327 Toll-Free: (855) 207-0702