LifeCircles PACE Improves Quality of Life For Participant Pat McCarry

Did You Know?  UMRC & Porter Hills five PACE sites (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) help nearly 1,000 low-income, nursing home-eligible older adults each year, across 15 counties, to live independently in their own homes and communities.  These include Huron Valley PACE in Ypsilanti, Thome PACE in Jackson, Senior CommUnity Care of Michigan in Lansing, and LifeCircles PACE with locations in Muskegon and Holland.

Pat McCarry of Holland, Michigan is a retired heat treat operator and Korean War veteran.  At 85, his health isn’t what it used to be, his eyesight is failing, and he has had some serious falls.  “He was very limited in what he could do,” says his wife, Audrey.  “He would listen to the radio or sit outside on nice days.  His quality of life was not good, and he would get depressed.”

Then Audrey learned about LifeCircles PACE from her sister.  “We contacted PACE right away, and they did an assessment to see if Pat qualified,” Audrey says.  “He met the State’s eligibility requirements and enrolled in the program.” 

“LifeCircles PACE has made his life so much better, and he looks forward to going,” says Audrey.  “They pick him up two mornings a week.  He sees the doctor, dentist, and therapist there; they furnish breakfast and lunch; and they take care of his meds and deliver them to our door when he’s not in the PACE center.  There are games and outings, people to talk to, and someone to help whenever needed.  They also offer respite care.” 

A cancer survivor herself, Audrey had been caring for Pat on her own with the help of their daughter who is a nurse.  She is grateful for LifeCircles PACE.  “PACE gives me breathing space.  I can have some time to go to the store, or just relax and talk to friends.  It’s nice for me.  You need that space, that time.”

“LifeCircles PACE is family,” says Audrey.  “I tell everyone about PACE, even in the check-out lane! 

To learn more about LifeCircles PACE, or any of our PACE locations across Michigan, visit https://mybrio.org/medicare-pace-program-michigan/.  To learn more about UMRC & Porter Hills and our mission, visit our website at www.umrcph2022.wpengine.com.