The PACE program: home-based long-term care.

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provide comprehensive care within the framework of a medical home model for the frail elderly living in the community. Participants must be at least 55 years of age, qualify for nursing facility level of care, and reside safely in the community at the time of enrollment. Often referred to as "nursing homes without walls," PACE programs provide all services covered by Medicare and Medicaid including primary care, medical specialties, adult day health centers, home care, prescription and over-the-counter medications, social work, dietitians, and any other service deemed necessary by the interdisciplinary team. PACE programs offer a multitude of opportunities for pharmacists who specialize in geriatrics, including medication reviews, medication therapy management, therapeutic drug monitoring, fall prevention, quality assurance initiatives, chronic disease management, anticoagulation services, drug information resources, education and inservice programs, medication dispensing and distribution, drug utilization reviews, infection control, and many other services. Senior care pharmacists are uniquely qualified to promote their services to PACE programs and provide quality care to both the interdisciplinary team and participants of the program.