Fallon Health’s Summit ElderCare® program recognized as fifth largest PACE in the country

Worcester, Mass., February 13, 2017 — Fallon Health, a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care services organization, was recently acknowledged for its Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Summit ElderCare, as the largest program in New England and fifth largest in the country, by the National PACE Association.

PACE is a model of care that serves individuals 55 years and older who are eligible for a nursing home-level of care. The PACE goal is to support these individuals so they may live safely in the community for as long as possible. Nationally, more than 93 percent of PACE enrollees live in the community.

Summit ElderCare provides each participant with comprehensive medical care and social support including home care, physical therapy and specialized equipment. Care Team members specialize in geriatrics, and include physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and more. In addition, each Summit ElderCare participant receives health insurance that includes Medicare Part D prescription coverage and covers the full costs of all necessary medical care.

Each Summit ElderCare PACE center provides a safe environment where participants may see their doctors and nurses, take part in daily activities and receive hot meals—all in one centralized location. The PACE model of comprehensive care and services addresses individualized needs which often go unmet in traditional medicine. This “wraparound” support is the key to helping people avoid nursing home placement and live safely in the community.

“Fallon Health is proud to be a national leader in offering PACE programs,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health, “As the population continues to age, more individuals are taking on the role of caregiver to support frail parents, spouses and other loved ones who may have medical needs. We understand the unique challenges this presents for both frail elders who wish to remain living in the comfort of their homes and caregivers who struggle to meet the demands of their loved ones’ health, well-being and safety. Fallon’s Summit ElderCare program offers a team-based, coordinated approach to caring for both older adults and their caregivers.”

Fallon Health celebrated 20 years of its PACE program in 2015 and added its sixth Summit ElderCare PACE Center in Lowell in February 2016. Fallon Health also opened another PACE program, Fallon Health Weinberg-PACE, in Buffalo, New York in March 2016.

With more than 1,100 participants enrolled in the program, Summit ElderCare PACE Centers are located in Charlton, Leominster, Lowell, Springfield and in two locations in Worcester.

Carrie Wattu
508-368-9345

About Fallon Health
Founded in 1977, Fallon Health is a leading health care services organization that supports the diverse and changing needs of those we serve. In addition to offering innovative health insurance solutions and a variety of Medicaid and Medicare products, we excel in creating unique health care programs and services that provide coordinated, integrated care for seniors and individuals with complex health needs. Fallon has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans, and is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products. For more information, visit www.fallonhealth.org.