Popular senior day program can accommodate 130 new participants
Portsmouth, VA – August 26, 2009 – Portsmouth City Council has approved a use permit for a second Sentara ‘PACE’ site in Hampton Roads. The new facility will be at Churchland Shopping Center and will accommodate up to 130 new participants. The current facility on Newtown Road in Virginia Beach will continue to operate as well.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides morning and evening transportation, meals, medical care and socialization for seniors living with their families, who would qualify for nursing care under Medicaid. As the first full PACE provider approved in Virginia, Sentara can also serve PACE participants under Medicare.
“PACE is the best solution going for families who prefer that their seniors live with them,” says Bruce Robertson, vice president for Sentara Life Care. “Families can go to work or school in the morning with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones will be safe during the day,” Robertson continues. “Everybody wins with PACE.”
PACE providers receive a set amount each month for each participant from Medicaid or Medicare. All services are provided within that budget, including routine medical care and even hospitalization and rehabilitation, if required.
“PACE is a great value for seniors, their families and the taxpayer,” Bruce Robertson says. “It’s a great way for seniors to stay in familiar surroundings.”
Renovation to begin on former Rite Aid store
With final zoning approval, work will begin to transform a former Rite Aid store at Churchland Shopping Center in Portsmouth to a PACE site, including large spaces for dining and activities, a kitchen, clinic, physical rehabilitation room, offices and a conference room. Opening for participants is scheduled for early 2010.
The central location at 5788 Churchland Boulevard allows easy access for participants from Portsmouth, Chesapeake and parts of Suffolk.
For more information on PACE, contact Sentara Life Care at 892-5400.
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