Chelsea-based United Methodist Retirement Communities, Inc. (UMRC) and the Area Agency on Aging 1-B recently announced the opening of Huron Valley PACE, a new service to provide community-based care for frail older adults in Ypsilanti Township.
An alternative to nursing home care for low-income seniors who wish to live independently, PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, according to a press release.
A core component of PACE is the Adult Day Center, which includes a health clinic offering on-site medical and personal care and other support services, meals, health promotion and transportation to and from the participant’s home.
UMRC and the Area Agency on Aging 1B developed this PACE program to provide services throughout Washtenaw, Monroe and bordering areas of adjacent counties. Within 4 years, the program will serve 180 adults and create approximately 150 jobs.
To lead the new program, UMRC has named Rick Bluhm of Ann Arbor as executive director of Huron Valley PACE. He had served as a member of the UMRC Board of Trustees since 1996, including time as both board and finance chairman. He has extensive experience in senior health, serving as Chief Administrator of the Division as Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at the University of Michigan Health System.
Linda McCarver of Detroit was named center manager at Huron Valley PACE. A registered nurse, she spent five years as manager of a PACE program in Detroit and has more than 15 years of management experience.
“Huron Valley PACE helps fill a void for seniors in our community,” John Thorhauer, UMRC president and CEO, said, adding, “This will allow more seniors to remain living in their homes and receive the services they need to maintain a healthy life.”
Huron Valley PACE is located at 2940 Ellsworth Road inside a 23,000-square-foot facility.
UMRC is a faith-based, non-profit organization that promotes the wellness, dignity and independence of older adults, by providing high quality, innovative and compassionate senior residential care services across Southeast Michigan.
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B, a non-profit organization, has enhanced the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities through a variety of support programs and services in six counties of Southeast Michigan.
