September is National PACE Month, a time to honor and highlight the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a model of care that has been improving the lives of seniors across the country for decades. In Philadelphia, InnovAge LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) has been a cornerstone of this movement, helping older adults remain living safely in their homes and communities while receiving the medical, social, and personal support they need.
“I enjoy the people here. I notice that they’ve got me talking now,” says Joan, an admitted introvert, and a participant (enrolled senior) at InnovAge LIFE’s Henry Avenue center.
InnovAge LIFE offers a lifeline for those who might otherwise face the difficult choice of entering a nursing home. The program provides a full range of health and social services designed to meet each participant’s individual needs. This includes primary and specialty medical care, medications, physical and occupational therapy, home care, transportation, and access to day centers that provide meals, activities, and companionship.
At its heart, PACE is about dignity, independence, and family. Many older adults want to age at home, surrounded by familiar faces and places, rather than in institutional care. For families, balancing caregiving responsibilities with work and personal commitments can be overwhelming. InnovAge LIFE bridges that gap by providing comprehensive care through a coordinated team of doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other professionals who work together to support each participant’s health and quality of life.
“This country’s older adults need PACE now more than ever,” says Patrick Blair, InnovAge CEO. “InnovAge is a great business made up of great people. As the aging population grows, so do the opportunities to reimagine care that prioritizes dignity, independence, and quality of life.”
InnovAge LIFE currently serves seniors across the Philadelphia region through its centers, including locations in Pennypack, and Henry Avenue. Each center acts as a hub where participants can see medical professionals, take part in physical or recreational therapy, and enjoy social activities with peers. This holistic approach to healthcare has proven especially valuable in addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults, from managing chronic conditions to preventing isolation.
The impact on families has been profound. Many caregivers share that without InnovAge LIFE, they would struggle to provide the level of care their loved ones need. The program not only supports seniors but also gives caregivers respite, resources, and the reassurance that they are not alone.
“I wanted to make sure that my mom was being cared for,” says Lisa Davis. Her mother Joan is a participant at the InnovAge Philadelphia LIFE center on Henry Avenue. “I got that warm feeling when I came to Henry. In the past, my bandwidth was stretched. I have children. I have a full-time job. So, this has afforded me the time to just be with her.”
National PACE Month is a reminder of the importance of community-based programs like InnovAge LIFE. Across the country, more than 180 PACE centers are helping seniors live independently while receiving comprehensive care. In Philadelphia, for over a decade, InnovAge LIFE’s commitment demonstrates how this model transforms lives and strengthens communities.
As National PACE Month shines a spotlight on this essential program, InnovAge LIFE stands as a proud example of how compassionate, community-based care can change lives—for seniors, for families, and for Philadelphia.
Sponsored content produced in partnership with InnovAge
