Empowering Independence: Why the PACE Model of Care Matters
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) has transformed how older adults with chronic conditions receive care in the United States. First launched in San Francisco in 1971, PACE was developed to meet the needs of aging community members—particularly those from immigrant families—who required long-term care but preferred to remain in their homes.
Widely recognized as a gold standard in community-based integrated care, PACE offers a full continuum of medical, behavioral, and social services to individuals age 55 and older who are certified to need nursing home-level care but can live safely in the community at the time of enrollment. PACE programs are designed to manage every aspect of a participant’s care—from primary care and pharmacy services to transportation, nutrition, and social support—making it one of the most comprehensive and person-centered models of care available.
Today, there are 185 PACE organizations operating 300 centers across 33 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 83,000 participants. ¹ This national footprint reflects growing recognition of the model’s value in helping older adults live independently while receiving coordinated care.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average PACE participant has eight chronic medical conditions and needs support with at least three activities of daily living. Nearly half have been diagnosed with dementia. Despite these complexities, more than 90% of participants continue living safely in their homes—often for up to four additional years compared to those in institutional care settings. ²
As the U.S. population ages, and more than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, the need for effective, community-based care solutions continues to grow. While PACE programs have expanded in recent years, they are not yet available in every region. For those who are eligible and have access, the PACE model offers a proven approach to helping older adults remain in their communities while maintaining their quality of life.
How Long-Term Care Pharmacy Services Support the PACE Model of Care
PACE participants often have a wide range of health profiles, prognoses, personal preferences, and therapeutic goals. Yet despite this diversity, one truth holds: medication adherence is a critical factor in achieving the health outcomes that allow individuals to continue living independently.
The average PACE participant is 80 years old and takes 10 to 11 medications to manage seven or more chronic conditions—such as diabetes, dementia, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease. Coordinating this level of care across multiple prescribers and specialists can be complex.
That’s where long-term care (LTC) pharmacies come in. Their specialized services support PACE organizations and their participants in ways that traditional retail or mail-order pharmacies cannot. Integrated directly into care workflows, LTC pharmacy services improve medication safety, reduce administrative burden, and help participants remain safely in their homes—supporting independence and quality of life.
Here are six key ways LTC pharmacy services support the success of the PACE model:
- 24/7 Access and Local Deliveries
Scheduled deliveries and around-the-clock access to a pharmacist and emergency medications ensures that participants receive critical medications when and where they need them, improving medication adherence and avoiding preventable delays in care. - Senior Care Expertise and Staff Education
Pharmacists specializing in geriatric care collaborate with PACE teams, prioritizing what matters most to participants and their caregivers and enabling value-based chronic disease management. For example, medication reviews include identifying drug interactions, preventing adverse drug events, and optimizing therapies to support participant mentation and mobility. On-site vaccination clinics are provided with ongoing education for support staff development and participant safety. - Cost Management and Billing Support
By partnering with leading PBMs, LTC pharmacies help manage prescription costs and streamline reimbursement. Billing specialists support prior authorizations, claims accuracy, and drug coverage alignment to reduce financial strain and avoid interruptions in therapy. - Smart Packaging to Promote Adherence
Medication packaging organizes doses by time and day, making it easier for participants and caregivers to follow prescribed therapies. This consistency reduces the risk of medication errors and supports independence. - Technology-Enabled Coordination
Integrated technology platforms that support real-time communication, streamline orders, and reduce administrative burden—ensuring medications are always accurate, timely, and accessible to the care team.
A Partner in Quality and Outcomes
With analytics and documentation of clinical interventions, PACE organizations can track the impact of LTC pharmacy services. The pharmacy team acts as an extension of the care staff, supporting safer, more effective medication management and improving participant outcomes.
Supporting the Future of PACE
PACE has redefined what it means to age with dignity and independence in the community. It offers a proven, person-centered alternative to institutional care—and as the demand for aging services grows, so does the need for collaborative partners who can support its mission. At Guardian, we are proud to stand behind the PACE model and the providers who make this extraordinary level of care possible every day.
As a member of the National PACE Association, Guardian looks forward to joining providers and peers at the 2025 NPA Annual Conference, October 5–8 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.
¹ National PACE Association (https://www.npaonline.org/)
2 Williams, C.T., Chandrasekaran, S. (2023). Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597375/
Darla Spears, PharmD, BCGP
Pharmacist, Consultant E
Boomer Solutions
