ABOUT THE FACILITY

Mercy LIFE is a new health care choice for seniors living in Western Massachusetts. Mercy LIFE is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), tightly coordinated care and support designed to help seniors continue to live safely at home and avoid moving into a nursing home. Mercy LIFE is part of the Sisters of Providence Health System, which has a rich history of providing innovative health and social services to Western Massachusetts communities for more than 140 years, when the first Sisters of Providence began meeting the medical, social and educational needs of individuals and families in the greater Holyoke area.

The LIFE Center is an integral part of the program. Here the team offers a full medical clinic and adult day center in one facility where patients can receive health care and social engagement in a safe, comfortable and stimulating environment. Multiple day rooms provide separate activities to meet a variety of socialization preferences and abilities. Nutritious and tasty meals are provided at the center (and at home as needed.)
An Interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, home health aides, and other healthcare professionals provide treatment and meet daily to review and report any changes in patients' health. This results in quick responses to changing needs and more flexibility in doing what is necessary to keep patients safe at home.

Trinity Health PACE is the largest provider of PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) services in the country with 13 PACE Organizations operating in nine states. PACE is designed to provide the entire continuum of care and services to frail seniors, helping them to maintain their independence in their home and community for as long as possible

Trinity Health PACE organizations are nationally recognized providing comprehensive medical, health, recreational, and social services designed specifically for each participant in an effort to promote independence at home.

To receive PACE services individuals must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 55 years old
• Live is the PACE service area
• Be able to live safely in the community with assistance
• Meet the state's nursing facility level of care

PACE Organization's use an interdisciplinary team approach to provide all health, medical and social services necessary to restore and preserve the participant's level of well-being. IDT's are composed of a primary care physician, nurse, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist, recreational therapist or activity coordinator, dietitian, PACE center supervisor, home care liaison, health workers/aids, or their representatives, and drivers or their representatives.

IDT evaluates the needs of each individual and develops an individualized plan of care (POC) consistent with the participant's goals and needs. During a center visit, participants may be seen in the clinic for a medical evaluation, the gym for PT or OT exercises, and participate in the recreational activities of the day. They receive a light breakfast and a full lunch while in the center. The fleet of transportation vehicles are available to transport to the center, to home or to any external provider visits. Depending on the situation, a participant may have home care aides, home nursing visits or a house call from their Primary Care Provider. All services are focused on maintaining the participant in the community and as independent as possible.

Trinity Health PACE Organizations are located in the following states:

• Alabama – Mercy LIFE of Alabama
• Delaware – Saint Francis LIFE
• Indiana – Saint Joseph PACE
• Massachusetts – Mercy LIFE of Massachusetts
• Michigan – LifeCircles PACE
• New Jersey – LIFE at Lourdes & LIFE St. Francis
• New York – Catholic Health LIFE & Eddy Senior Care
• North Carolina – LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines
• Pennsylvania – LIFE St. Mary, Mercy LIFE-SEPA and Mercy LIFE – West Philadelphia

Trinity Health PACE is a member of Trinity Health, the second largest Catholic Health System in the nation. Trinity Health is based in Livonia, Michigan.

COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

West Springfield, Massachusetts is an economically vibrant and growing community. The town sits on the West bank of the Connecticut River, has a population of approximately 28,000 and is considered part of the Springfield Metropolitan area.

Springfield, Massachusetts sits on the Connecticut River, and its metro-area population is approximately 700,000. The city is home to major employers, including MassMutual Insurance, Smith & Wesson and General Dynamics, and also boasts many museums, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, its own zoo and symphony hall, and the iconic Forest Park Historic District. Rural, suburban and urban locales offer a variety of residential options, including 17 neighborhoods, such as South End, known for its rich Italian heritage, and Forest Park Heights, featuring more than 600 Victorian Painted Lady mansions. There’s an excellent selection of private and public schools, as well as colleges, including Mount Holyoke, Smith and Amherst.