About AiPACE

+ What is AiPACE?

AiPACE is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by International Community Health Services (ICHS) with the mission to enable elders to live meaningful lives in their community through culturally appropriate, integrated care.

+ What does AiPACE stand for?

“AiPACE” stands for Aging in PACE Washington. “PACE” is the acronym for “Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly”, a nationally recognized, evidence-based care model that enables elders to successfully age in place.

+ When and by whom was AiPACE founded?

AiPACE was founded in 2015 by International Community Health Services (ICHS), a long standing organization with 50 years of experience providing affordable, culturally appropriate healthcare to the Asian and Pacific Islander, immigrant and refugee communities in the Pacific Northwest.

Reimagine Aging Capital Campaign

+ Why is AiPACE critically needed for our community?

While nursing homes have served its role in care for elders, the institutional care model has become increasingly difficult to sustain. AiPACE offers a community-based nursing-home alternative, that allows elders to successfully "age in place".

Studies demonstrate that those who age in the community live happier, healthier and more independent lives than their counterparts in nursing homes. AiPACE takes care of the physical, mental, and social needs so elders can live independently in the community.

Home-bound elders suffer from social isolation which often leads to higher risk of serious health problems and possible premature death. AiPACE empowers elders to lead active, independent, and meaningful lives.

Limited English speaking immigrant and refugee families face great difficulties navigating the complicated healthcare system due to language and cultural barriers. AiPACE’s culturally competent care team supports families so they can access critical services with peace of mind.

+ I’m still young, why should I care about AiPACE?

AiPACE is more than just an elder care program. With AiPACE, multi-generational families can stay together. Vulnerable communities who have historically been displaced remain intact. AiPACE is an opportunity for all of us to redefine the community we want to be -- one that embraces and celebrates age, wisdom, culture, traditions, families, and community. There is a place for everyone at AiPACE.

+ What is the capital campaign goal?

AiPACE seeks to raise $20 million to build a 25,000 sq-ft adult day health center and clinic.

+ How will the funds be used?

Funds will be used to cover costs for the pre-development and construction of a 25,000 sq-ft adult day center/clinic with parking, and build a startup operation reserve.

+ How will I be recognized for my donation? Are there naming opportunities available?

Donations will be recognized in printed and online campaign materials as well as permanent displays and room naming opportunities. Please contact staff to learn more.

The Facility

+ Where will the AiPACE facility be located?

The facility will be built on the current north parking lot of the Pacific Medical Center on Beacon Hill in Seattle, WA.

The AiPACE facility is part of the PHPDA North Lot Development -- a three-acre development to include affordable housing, senior services and an early childhood development center.

+ Why is the location of the AiPACE facility so significant?

Beacon Hill was the first neighborhood where Chinese families were allowed to own property after the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion laws in 1943. Japanese, Filipino and other ethnic families soon followed, making Beacon Hill one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Seattle.

In recent years, Beacon Hill has undergone major development, displacing long-time residents, many of whom are Asian elderly and families. By combining affordable housing, seniors services and early childhood education, AiPACE and partners are working to keep our communities healthy and whole, while creating a counterbalance against gentrification and displacement.

+ What will the AiPACE facility include?

The AiPACE facility will include an adult day center with activity/dining areas and a serving kitchen, clinic and exam rooms, personal care area, rehabilitation and therapy, memory care, shared outdoor space, consultation rooms, and administrative offices.

+ When will the construction start?

SCIDpda has broken ground on October 31, 2022.

+ When will the AiPACE facility be completed?

The AiPACE facility is expected to be completed in 2025.

The Program

+ What services will AiPACE provide?

Services include:

• Home care
• Transportation
• Adult Day Care
• Primary Care
• Skilled-nursing Care
• Therapy and Rehabilitative Care
• Specialty Care

+ Who will qualify for AiPACE services?

To qualify for AiPACE, one must be:

• Age 55 or older
• Approved by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to need nursing-home level care
• Able to safely live in the community with the help of AiPACE services
• Reside in King County, Washington

+ How many people will this program serve?

We anticipate this program to serve approximately 400 participants, including those who access the adult day facility and those receiving care at home. The adult day center can serve up to 200 participants on a daily basis.

+ Will AiPACE only serve Asians and Pacific Islanders?

While AiPACE specializes in providing culturally-appropriate services for Asian elders, it does not discriminate against anyone based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. AiPACE will serve anyone who meets the eligible requirements and chooses to enroll in the program.

+ Will AiPACE only serve low-income elders?

AiPACE does not discriminate based on economic status. Services are usually paid for by Medicaid and Medicare based on eligibility. For those who do not qualify for Medicaid, services that are normally covered by Medicaid can be paid privately.

+ How will AiPACE help elders age in place?

An interdisciplinary team will work closely with participants and their families to customize a care plan that maximizes the elder’s health and independence. The personalized care plan may include home care, transportation, primary care, adult day care, therapy, skilled-nursing, and specialty care. Services are provided either at home or at the AiPACE facility. Under this comprehensive model, participants have 24/7 access to care from the interdisciplinary care team.

+ How does AiPACE support family members?

AiPACE serves as a well-coordinated support system, helping families navigate the complex healthcare system, coordinate care between providers, manage their loved one’s physical, social and mental health, and ultimately, alleviate their caregiving stress and burdens so they can spend more quality time with their loved ones.

+ How does AiPACE differ from existing senior care programs?

As a program dually funded by both Medicaid and Medicare, AiPACE has the flexibility to provide all-inclusive care tailored to each participant’s needs. Caregivers no longer have to navigate between multiple providers. AiPACE’s culturally responsive team serves as their single-source care coordinator, advocate and provider. The AiPACE facility is a central hub for participants to receive multiple services in one location. The comprehensive care model encompasses transportation and home care. Each member of the care team, including the van driver, contributes input to ensure the most effective care plan.

Want more info?

Please send your questions to cconsolacion@ichs.com.