Press Release

On October 1, the CalOptima Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) celebrated eight years of caring for Orange County’s most frail seniors with a drive-thru health and wellness event at the PACE Center in Garden Grove. Dedicated to helping seniors age 55 and older live as independently as possible, CalOptima PACE has grown to serve more than 400 participants since first opening in 2013.

The event welcomed PACE participants and their families to enjoy a day of fun activities and access to PACE services. PACE’s purple vans transported participants to the PACE Center parking lot, which was lined with health information booths and fun, interactive games facilitated by PACE staff. In addition, PACE staff provided comprehensive social and health services while adhering to social distancing and infection control guidelines, and allied organizations such as Alzheimer’s Orange County shared community resources.

“Since CalOptima PACE first opened its doors eight years ago, the program has had a tremendous impact in improving the lives of the older adults in our community who need personalized, nursing-home level of care but also want to remain active in their community,” said CalOptima PACE Director Monica Macias. “The drive-thru senior health and wellness celebration along with our telehealth model of care, called PACE Without Walls, exemplifies how we’ve been able to adapt to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue serving participants and meeting their needs.” To date, CalOptima PACE has vaccinated 95% of participants against COVID-19.

During the event, Macias gave Chief Executive Officer Richard Sanchez and Chief Operating Officer Yunkyung Kim a tour of the PACE Center, including areas that have been recently remodeled or are undergoing remodeling, such as the physical therapy area, private patio and kitchen. They were joined by PACE Center Manager Hashim Qureshi and PACE Clinic Operations Manager Christine Sisil.

“This past year has shown how critical PACE is to supporting seniors’ physical and mental well-being,” Sanchez said. “CalOptima PACE has helped the most vulnerable of our senior population remain safely at home while still providing them with opportunities to enjoy the health care services, supportive environment and sense of community offered by PACE. The PACE team brings an extraordinary amount of compassion and commitment to serving participants.”

CalOptima is a county organized health system that provides health coverage for low-income Orange County residents. PACE provides health services, rehabilitation, care coordination, nutrition, recreational activities, social services, and administrative support all at one location. CalOptima PACE opened in October 2013 and currently serves more than 400 participants.