Press Releases

A New Option for Frail Older Adults in the Niles-Buchanan Area to Live at Home is Accepting Applications

Mar. 7, 2017 – St. Joseph, MI – People in the Niles-Buchanan area have a new option in long term care that allows them to remain in their own home as they age. PACE of Southwest Michigan has been recognized by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the State of Michigan as a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider. PACE is now working towards enrolling individuals in southeastern Berrien and Western Cass counties.

PACE is an insurance benefit available to older adults who have long term care needs. PACE helps people remain independent by providing coordinated health care, social activities, therapies, medical transportation and in-home services to support independence and dignity. PACE of Southwest Michigan serves people both in-home and at its day center located in St. Joseph. PACE provides its own transportation to and from the PACE center. An interdisciplinary team of professionals develop and carry out a comprehensive plan of care in conjunction with the PACE participant as well as family members or caregiver when appropriate.

PACE is an evidenced-based model of cost-effective care for frail older adults age 55 and older who need nursing home level of care. PACE provides all services covered by Medicare and Medicaid as well as additional medically necessary care. "Although PACE is new to the area, the program has been in existence for nearly 30 years. PACE of Southwest Michigan is the fifth PACE program in the State of Michigan and was the 93rd in the nation"  says Therese Saggau, Executive Director for PACE.

 To be eligible for PACE services, participants must:

  • Be at least 55 years of age

  • Live in the PACE service area (PACE of Southwest Michigan service area encompasses all of Berrien  county and part of Cass and Van Buren counties)

  • Be able to safely live in their home

  • Meet nursing home level of care requirements (have long-term care needs)

PACE services are targeted to people who are covered by both Medicare and Medicaid. PACE staff can help individuals determine Medicaid eligibility and assist in applying for the benefit. Individuals who are not eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid may chose to privately pay for PACE services.

PACE of Southwest Michigan began serving participants in September and is now working on enrolling qualified persons for November. PACE is located at 2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph MI, which is also home to the Area Agency on Aging IV and the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan. All three organizations will be celebrating the recent renovation and expansion of their building at a ribbon cutting and public open house on Tuesday, September 25th from 3:30-6PM.

"So often the elderly want to remain in their homes but as they age this can become difficult for them or for their caregivers.  PACE is a wonderful option.  We help coordinate all medical care and social support needs.  The goal of the PACE program is the same as the elderly person or their caregiver—to honor the persons choice to remain in their home”,  says Therese Saggau, PACE Executive Director.

To find out more about PACE of Southwest Michigan, the ribbon cutting and open house or to pursue enrollment in PACE please call the local Info-Line for Aging and Disability at 1-800-654-2810.