Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens celebrated the grand opening of its new Bristol PACE Center on March 19, marking another step forward in expanding care and support for older adults across the region. Located at 180 Bristol East Road, off Exit 7, the center opened its doors to participants on March 1.
The Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly is designed to help older adults live safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes and communities. Serving individuals age 55 and older who qualify for nursing home-level care, PACE provides comprehensive medical care, social services, and daily support — all tailored to meet each participant’s unique needs.
The Bristol PACE Center features a full-service medical clinic, physical and occupational therapy areas and a day center where participants enjoy meals, activities and social connections. Transportation is a major component of the PACE program, providing participants with transportation to and from the center, as well as to specialty medical appointments and outings for shopping and other enjoyable activities.
Mike Ratliff, chairman of the AASC board of directors, welcomed a large crowd gathered to celebrate the grand opening, including representatives of U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and Virginia Sen. Todd Pillion. Delegate Israel O’Quinn was on hand and shared a few remarks. Bristol Mayor Jake Holmes officially welcomed the new facility to the city and the Bristol Virginia Chamber of Commerce coordinated a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
AASC Chief Executive Officer Brian Beck expressed appreciation to the project’s funders, including federally-appropriated Congressionally Directed Spending, which supported building renovations; the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, which funded the purchase of two handicapped-accessible vans; and The United Company Foundation, which helped purchase medical and therapy equipment.
“From an economic standpoint, we opened this facility with 29 PACE participants and 10 dedicated staff members,” Beck said. “This new center allows us to better serve our community by bringing care closer to home – leading to more timely care, stronger relationships and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.”
Dana Collins, AASC PACE director, explained how the program works, highlighting the interdisciplinary team approach to develop a plan of care for participants that includes social work, clinic staff, therapy staff, adult day center staff, in-home care aides and others who provide services for participants. She expressed hope that, “one day, all counties in Virginia will offer PACE services to all of the older adults who need them.”
Jennifer Boyd from the Virginia PACE Alliance echoed those sentiments, noting that PACE offers the full continuum of care to older adults who wish to stay in their homes and she was glad to welcome the opening of another PACE center.
For participants, the impact of the program is meaningful. As one participant shared, “PACE gets me out of the house, and I get to spend time with my friends. I come here every day, and I’m so happy to be in the program. It has made such a big difference in my life.”
If you or a loved one could benefit from PACE services, call AASC at 276-964-4915 for more information or visit www.aasc.org to learn more.