PACE Shown to Reduce Hospitalizations

Posted February 8th, 2010 by Dave Reaville

Study Shows Good Health Outcomes for PACE Vermont

January 8, 2010

Tara B, Meyer, graduate student of UVM’s Master of Science program, has completed a study showing a decrease in the number of hospitalizations, days of hospitalization, and number of urgent care visits for participants of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). 

At a time when our health care delivery system is being questioned and health care costs are being scrutinized, the PACE program is offering an innovative and cost-effective approach to providing health care.  The PACE model allows those 55 and older who need a nursing home level of care to remain independent in their communities by providing a full spectrum of health care services at the PACE Day Health Center and in the person’s home.

Meyer writes, “A central element of PACE is the use of an adult day center that serves as the home base for an interdisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, social workers, nutritionists, physical therapists, and recreational therapists.  PACE operates under a capitated system, receiving a predetermined amount per enrollee and assuming full financial risk in providing a continuum of long-term care services that are primarily community based but also include hospital and nursing-home care.”

Meyer found that PACE Vermont’s enrollees have fewer visits to the emergency room, fewer hospital admissions, and spend fewer days in the hospital when they do get admitted.  She concluded that PACE Vermont is effective in decreasing hospitalization and emergency room visits for its enrollees. Her findings point to high quality care and also highlight a decrease in acute care utilization for falls, accidents and fractures.

The PACE model was created in San Francisco in the 1970s and 1980s by On Lok Lifeways as one of the nation’s first alternatives to nursing home placement for elders.  There are currently 61 PACE programs in 29 states, all of which are run by nonprofit organizations. 

Many studies of the PACE model have been completed at a variety of PACE organizations.  Meyer’s review of literature includes related findings among other PACE programs that support her findings of reduced hospitalization rates, and show that PACE enrollees are twice as likely to die at home compared with the general elderly population.     

Marie Quintin, a PACE participant, describes her experience with PACE as very positive. “Before PACE, I was losing my fight,” Quintin says, “I was not in control of what was going on in my own home, and I worried about what was going to happen to me.  With PACE, I’m feeling much better about myself.  I don’t have to worry.  PACE supports me in what I want.  It’s a good feeling.”

PACE also recently announced a new partnership with Volunteers of America and On Lok to operate PACE programs in Vermont. This partnership will ensure that local PACE programs will grow and thrive. PACE currently serves seniors living in Chittenden and Rutland counties.