On Lok originated the essential components of the program in 1972. Since 1983, PACE programs have served a total of approximately 6,000 frail, older people. Before I explain more about PACE, I want to express our appreciation for the strong bipartisan support in Congress for PACE over the last 15 years, including concerned support from many members of this Subcommittee. The principal objective of PACE is to maximize the function and independence of enrollees. By doing this, PACE is able to minimize institutional placement, that is, to delay or prevent it altogether.
PACE provides a comprehensive range of primary, acute and long-term care services .
If, ultimately, institutional care is required, PACE participants are not dropped from our program. We cover that care and, in all cases, closely follow the patient's progress in the institution to assure receipt of proper care at the proper time. We don't abandon our participants. Our ability to weave medical and social services into a comprehensive health care delivery system allows individuals to remain in the PACE program, regardless of changing needs, and to continue to receive much of their care from providers with whom they have developed a long-standing, trusting relationship. Interdisciplinary teams consisting of physicians, nurses, social workers, physical, occupational and recreational therapists, dietitians and home care workers integrate the delivery of acute and long-term care .