Kelly Carter, program officer at Brookfield-based Community Care Inc., has been elected to a three-year term on the board of directors at the National PACE Association.
PACE, which is based in Alexandria, Va., supports the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a community-based, long-term care program for Medicare or Medicaid eligible adults over 55 that provides care on the same level as a nursing home, allowing them to maintain their independence. It includes medical and hospital care, prescription drugs, social services, home health and personal care.
Community Care, a private nonprofit, is the only managed care organization in Wisconsin that offers the PACE program, and was one of the first in the country to do so. Its PACE services are available in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
Carter is a registered nurse, and joined Community Care as a group home manager in 1999. She was chosen for the new role because of her background in operations and management with the PACE model in several centers in both rural and urban settings.
“I am honored to join the National Pace Association board and represent Community Care and the state of Wisconsin,” Carter said. “I believe that the PACE model is the best model in the country in providing care to frail elders.”
“The program is a one-stop shop for older adults to get their medical, social and supportive care needs attended to. Unlike traditional health care, members of the PACE program have an entire team of professionals – from physicians and nurses to therapists and personal care aides – all working together to coordinate their care. It’s a unique, innovative program that improves the quality of life for seniors and eases the burden on family and friends. I look forward to promoting PACE on a national level while serving on the board.”
