Member Spotlight- Bluestem PACE
Bluestem PACE is celebrating 10 years of serving older adults in the community with a mission focused on helping people remain in their own homes for as long as it is medically feasible. Located at 113 S. Ash in McPherson, Bluestem PACE is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly designed for individuals age 55 and older. The program brings together primary care, specialty care, physical and occupational therapy, social work, nursing, CNA services, nutrition guidance, medication monitoring and transportation, creating a comprehensive connection between the day center and participants’ homes.
“We have primary care. We have contracted specialty care. We have PT/OT. We have licensed master social workers and clinical social workers as well,” said Emilie Rains, Executive Director at Bluestem PACE. “We have nurses, CNAs, and we do work not only here at our day center but in these participants’ homes. So, in order to keep people at home, we need to have that clinic-to-home connection.” Participants can spend time at the center enjoying meals, crafts, movies, card games, Bible study and social activities, including the popular daily game of BINGO!
A key part of Bluestem PACE’s mission is filling in the gaps that can sometimes exist between healthcare needs and what traditional care or reimbursement covers. Nikki Klatt, a Fund Advancement representative at Bluestem PACE, highlighted the Good Neighbor Fund, which provides assistance with needs such as air-conditioning repairs or an apartment deposit to help participants continue living well in their homes. Fundraising events throughout the year help support that effort, including Squeals & Froth at Three Rings Brewery on September 11, where, Klatt said, “$1 from every drink goes back to the Good Neighbor Fund.” Bluestem PACE also provides support when participants temporarily cannot safely return home. Respite care is available through partner communities, including Showalter Villa, Kidron Bethel Village and a newly opened PACE unit at The Cedars. Rains said the new unit has been “super exciting,” adding that bringing participants together in one comfortable environment allows them to eat and interact together while receiving respite care for situations ranging from recovery after an injury to caregiver relief or preparation for surgery. At the Bluestem PACE center, participants also have access to a full clinic, two doctors, individualized care plans that are reviewed every 180 days, a registered dietitian, unlimited PT/OT sessions while enrolled, and a newly remodeled bathroom and shower room for those who may not feel safe showering at home.
As Bluestem PACE marks its 10th anniversary, the organization is celebrating not only a decade of service but also the difference its team has made in the lives of local older adults and their families. The program currently serves as one of three PACE programs in Kansas, alongside programs in the Kansas City area and Wichita, and is part of a nationwide network of 134 PACE programs. Bluestem PACE partners with families to provide services that enhance quality of life while supporting participants’ independence and ability to remain at home. “We’re really proud after all these years to be able to say that 95% of Bluestem PACE participants have lived well at home till the end of their life,” Rains said. “That is our ultimate goal: is that they can stay there through the end of their life.” From healthcare and therapy to meals, transportation, recreation, social connection and assistance through the Good Neighbor Fund, Bluestem PACE continues to put that goal into action as it celebrates 10 years of helping seniors live well at home. Learn more on their website bluestempace.org, check out the Bluestem Communities Facebook page, or call at 844-588-7223. Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by Bluestem PACE can be seen here.