PACE Senior Health & Wellness Program ‘Saved My Life’

When Debbie Martin’s medical issues became too overwhelming, she knew she had to stop working and care for herself. But it came at a personal cost.

“I was very lonely,” the 66-year-old Michigan City woman said. “I can’t drive, so I’m pretty much confined to the house. The depression was horrible, just a downward spiral.”

A strong social life has been linked with less depression and a longer life span. But a study in The Journals of Gerontology found that older adults who interacted beyond their usual social circle were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods, and fewer negative feelings.

Martin learned about Franciscan Senior Health and Wellness Program, a one-stop shop for complete health care and social needs. Franciscan's Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

By enrolling in PACE, Martin now has a place where all her medical needs are met, and she can routinely enjoy friendship and fun.

“They saved my life,” Martin said. “Having them get me out of my house was a blessing. The minute I walked in, I felt right at home.”

The Franciscan Senior Health and Wellness program holds several social activities in its day centers, including personalized exercise programs, board games, trivia contests, painting, music, and more. The program also provides healthy group lunches with plenty of flexibility for special dietary needs.

The social aspect is just one part of this national, community-based healthcare program created for people ages 55 and older who prefer to receive care in more familiar surroundings.

The PACE model of care is centered around the belief that the well-being of seniors with chronic care needs and their families is better served in their own communities whenever possible.

Franciscan’s PACE program enables seniors to live as independently as they can by providing all-inclusive primary care and specialty services in one convenient location. Each participant is assigned a nurse practitioner, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, nurse and home care coordinator. Franciscan’s four Indiana sites, located in Indianapolis, Dyer, Lafayette and Michigan City, serve as a one-stop shop for all their needs.

Martin said she would encourage anyone considering becoming a PACE participant to do so.

“They aren’t my friends, they’re my family,” she said. “We share phone numbers and check on each other. We always have something to share and something to look forward to.”