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A new program is helping families in Northeast Kansas City care for older loved ones at home. PACE KC, part of Swope Health, helps seniors stay safe and comfortable in their homes or with family, instead of going to a nursing home. It also helps caregivers find balance and time for themselves.

Caring for Elders is Tradition

For many Northeast KC families, caring for an elder isn’t a choice—it’s just what families do. A daughter picks up groceries for her mom, fills her prescriptions, and drives her to doctor visits. A husband helps his wife get dressed, bathe, and eat. A neighbor checks on an older man down the street because he has no family nearby. This is caregiving. And it can feel like a full-time job — one that often comes with no paycheck. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 37 million Americans provided unpaid elder care in 2021.

A Different Kind of Care

PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It began in the 1970s in San Francisco. Families wanted a better way to care for their elders. They wanted an option besides nursing homes and care from many places. So, they created a program that brings care together in one place.Instead of sending seniors to many doctors or agencies, PACE gives them one team that works together. This team helps seniors stay safe, healthy, and independent at home.

Better Health, Fewer Worries

PACE programs across the country show better results for seniors. These include longer life, fewer falls, fewer hospital visits, and more happiness. When your loved one joins PACE KC, they get care from a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers — all working together to support them.

Care That Covers Everything

PACE KC offers many services: doctor visits, a day center, help at home, rides to appointments, therapy, meals, medicine and more. These services match each person’s needs and helps them stay safe and well at home.

A Lifeline for Caregivers

In many families, one person does most of the caregiving. This can lead to burnout. Caregivers are more likely to feel depressed, anxious or get sick. Many also leave their jobs, work fewer hours or use their savings to help a loved one. PACE KC helps caregivers too. Seniors can spend time at the day center, where they enjoy activities and spending time with other people, which reduces loneliness and isolation. The day center is good for seniors, and it gives caregivers a much-needed break too. The care team at PACE KC helps with medicine, appointments and paperwork. This teamwork approach means caregivers don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Who Can Join PACE KC?

To join PACE KC, a person must:

• Be age 55 or older

• Live in Jackson County, MO

• Need nursing home-level care

• Be able to live safely at home with help from PACE

Want to Learn More?

If you think a loved one might qualify, just reach out. You don’t need to know everything about Medicare or Medicaid. You don’t have to figure it out alone. The PACE KC team will help you step by step, answer your questions, and explain your options — without pressure. Call PACE KC at 816.321.3300 or visit www.pacekc.org.