Helton explains Bluegrass Care Navigators' PACE program for seniors in Kentucky

The Senior Services meeting on August 20, 2025, featured a discussion with Mr. Helton, a nursing home administrator turned PACE program director, who provided insights into the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) initiative in Lexington, Kentucky. The program aims to keep seniors living at home and in their communities rather than moving them to nursing facilities.

Mr. Helton explained that PACE offers a comprehensive range of services, including home health care, adult day services, primary care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation, and social work support. The goal is to ensure that seniors receive all necessary care while remaining in familiar surroundings, which contributes to their overall well-being.

Eligibility for PACE includes individuals aged 55 and older residing in Fayette, Jessamine, Anderson, Woodford, or Franklin counties, who meet nursing home level care requirements. Most participants are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, which typically covers the costs of the program, resulting in no out-of-pocket expenses for them.

The program has been operational in Kentucky for two years and is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in supporting seniors and their caregivers. Mr. Helton emphasized the importance of community awareness about PACE, describing it as a "hidden gem" that provides extensive support to seniors and their families.

For those interested in learning more about PACE, Mr. Helton encouraged contacting the program through their website or phone for assistance with eligibility and services. The meeting concluded with a strong endorsement of the program's mission to keep seniors safe and engaged in their communities.