AltaMed Health Services, the nation’s largest federally qualified community health center, expanded its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) with the opening of its first location in Norwalk, CA. The center provides comprehensive health and social services to help frail seniors in the Norwalk area who meet nursing home eligibility live independently in their homes.

AltaMed PACE-Norwalk, which spans 28,000 square feet, offers comprehensive health services and care coordination, dental services, physical therapy, social services, meals, transportation, recreational activities and medication management.

“AltaMed PACE takes pride in sustaining the independence of the seniors we serve and supporting their caregivers,” said Esiquio Casillas, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer at AltaMed PACE. “Although AltaMed PACE is new to Norwalk, it has been a leader in PACE and senior health services in Los Angeles County for more than 25 years.”

Research has shown that PACE programs reduce hospitalization, emergency room visits and nursing home stays. PACE participants survive longer than similar patients in less comprehensive programs. According to the National PACE Association, COVID-19 deaths among PACE participants have been about one-third those of nursing home residents. 

AltaMed PACE has 11 centers serving more than 3,700 seniors in 90 cities throughout Los Angeles County and recently expanded into Orange County. For more information, visit the AltaMed PACE website.