Fallon Health expands access to its Summit ElderCare PACE program
Expansion supports long-term care needs and goals of the aging population in the age of COVID-19
Worcester, Mass., May 17, 2022— Fallon Health today announced it is expanding access to its innovative Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to older adults in 10 counties across Massachusetts. The expansion of PACE aligns with Fallon’s investment in supporting older adults and family caregivers. In the Commonwealth, there are approximately 45,000 individuals who may be eligible for a PACE program.
Fallon currently serves approximately 1,200 PACE participants with facilities in the communities of Leominster, Lowell, Springfield, Webster, and Worcester. Fallon’s program, known locally as Summit ElderCare, enables individuals to stay in their homes, where they want to be, according to a recent AARP survey. The survey shows that 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term.
“For more than 25 years, Fallon Health has been helping older adults meet their health needs with dignity and independence while supporting family caregivers,” said Kristine Bostek, Senior Vice President of PACE Programs for Fallon Health. “As the leading PACE provider in Massachusetts, we are pleased to extend access to Fallon’s Summit ElderCare program to thousands of additional individuals.”
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness of the PACE model in caring for older adults. According to data from the National PACE Association, the rates of COVID-19 infection and death among PACE participants have been just one-third of those for nursing home residents.
“Now, more than ever, families are looking for choices that include keeping their loved ones safe at home,” said Randi Berkowitz, M.D., Vice President & Medical Director for Fallon Health’s Summit ElderCare. “The PACE model of care is uniquely positioned to support the needs of older adults. We encourage the community to experience this compassionate and proven solution for themselves.”
Fallon Health is the largest PACE provider in New England and among the top 10 in the country. In addition to Summit ElderCare, the organization also operates Fallon Health Weinberg-PACE in Buffalo, New York.
Fallon Health
Melissa Randall
Corporate Communications Manager, Fallon Health
508-368-9345
melissa.randall@fallonhealth.org
About Fallon Health
Founded in 1977, Fallon Health is a community-focused not-for-profit health care services organization based in Worcester, Massachusetts. Committed to caring for those who need us most, we pride ourselves on providing coordinated, integrated care for older adults and for individuals with complex health needs. We serve as a provider of care through our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Dedicated to delivering high quality health care, we are continually rated among the nation’s top health plans for member experience and service and clinical quality.