Bluestem PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a non-profit dedicated to helping seniors live well at home, will observe National PACE Month throughout the month of September with a lineup of community-focused activities and events in McPherson.
Bluestem PACE supports individuals aged 55 and better who have complex medical needs to remain living in their homes for as long as possible and as independently as possible. With the primary location in McPherson and an alternative care site in Hutchinson, Bluestem PACE serves seniors in a six-county south central Kansas region of McPherson, Reno, Harvey, Marion, Rice and Saline counties.
National PACE Month celebrates the innovative model of comprehensive care PACE programs provide. Bluestem PACE’s celebration will focus specifically in the McPherson community where it began in 2016.
“We are excited to celebrate National PACE Month with the McPherson community, which has been the home of Bluestem PACE for six years,” said Justin Loewen, Bluestem PACE executive director. “People who don’t require the kinds of services Bluestem PACE provides, or know someone who does, may not know the resource we provide to area seniors, and we hope these activities will help the community become better acquainted with Bluestem PACE.”
The month of Bluestem PACE activities will kick off on Friday, September 2nd, with a free tailgate meal with McPherson High School prior to the football game outside of McPherson Stadium. Serving for the meal will begin at 5:30 PM and will also feature McPherson High School give aways.
On Saturday, September 9th, Three Rings Brewery will host Squeals and Froth from 5 to 9 PM. The evening will feature cold drinks by Three Rings Brewery with $1 of every beer sold benefitting the PACE Good Neighbor Fund, brats by Krehbiel Meats and entertainment by local musician Sam Unruh. The Bluestem PACE Good Neighbor Fund provides financial assistance to program participants in the event of unexpected circumstances, and assists Bluestem PACE in providing the highly coordinated, integrated medical, social, physical and personal care.
On Thursday, September 15th, Bluestem PACE will host a Caregiver’s Night at its McPherson location at 113 S. Ash St., from 4 to 6 p.m. Anyone providing personalized care for a family member, friend or in a professional health care setting, as well as those interested in learning more about Bluestem PACE are welcome to attend. The event will be resourced by Bluestem PACE social workers, therapy staff and nurses with information for providing quality care and sharing about Bluestem PACE services.
On Thursday, September 29th, Bluestem PACE will host a Chamber Connections gathering at 9:30 AM at is McPherson location at 113 S. Ash St. The event will be an opportunity for McPherson Chamber of Commerce members and other interested people to see the Bluestem PACE facilities and learn more about the services offered to area seniors.
