Franciscan Health’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps Seniors stay Independent
For Erwin “Erv” Schreiber, home truly is where the heart is and the 94-year-old Indianapolis resident would not want to be anywhere else. Joyful memories are present everywhere he looks. From photos of family members to his room full of Chicago Cubs memorabilia.
The ability to live on his own came into question, though, after his wife, Carol died in 2019. At that time, he had already had his left leg amputated two years prior, and many challenges became present to Schreiber living by himself at home. A staff member at the prosthetist office he visited recommended Franciscan Senior Health and Wellness, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to Schreiber and his family. They began to research the program and found it was a great fit.
Thanks to PACE many of the challenges that Schreiber faced living alone at home were met head on and solutions determined. He knew from the second he entered the PACE center and saw all the smiling faces, that the program would benefit him in more ways than he could imagine.
“It means everything to me to get to live at home,” said Schreiber. “I can look around and see happiness, joy, thanksgiving and love. I have those same feelings each week when I go to the PACE center.”
Each Wednesday, Schreiber visits the new PACE center in Greenwood that opened last year and gets to interact with fellow PACE participants. Franciscan has been operating a PACE program for 10 years, serving seniors in Marion and Johnson counties. Along with socializing, participants exercise, play games, do arts and crafts and listen to music among other activities. On his walls at home, Schreiber proudly displays some of the artwork he has created. He even has a “badge of honor,” in the form of paint stains on a sweatshirt that bring a smile to his face every time he sees them, because it reminds him of the good times he has at the PACE center.
“From that very first day I was at the PACE center, all I saw was smiling faces,” said Schreiber. “It’s just a feeling inside of you. They are interested and want to encourage you every chance they get. This is a vocation for them and I am very thankful they were placed where they were by God.”
At the PACE center, the program also provides healthy lunches with flexibility for special dietary needs. Schreiber enjoys the variety and “surprise” of what will be served each week he attends.
PACE also helps coordinate doctors’ visits and keeps the medicines that Schreiber takes organized and in order. They also have assisted with solutions in his house to help make it more accessible for his wheelchair.
Schreiber’s daughter, Linda, is thankful for the multitude of services provided by PACE, both at the Center and in the home. It brings great peace of mind to her and her brother, knowing the great care and attention their father receives.
“We know Dad is in good hands with PACE,” she said. “They do so much to help him. When he was having some issues with his leg, a doctor even came over to the house to see him. It is such a blessing to have a program like this, which allows him to be able to still live at home and be independent.”
Schreiber urges anyone who is thinking about the PACE program to stop by the center and meet the staff.
“They are encouraging, helpful and faithful,” said Schreiber. “All attributes they have within themselves they share with us. The team at PACE provides hope and encouragement. It takes a special person to do what they do. It is truly a vocation and they are phenomenal. I would tell anyone interested, try PACE, you won’t be disappointed.”
Franciscan’s PACE program will be in attendance on Tuesday, March 18 for the Third Biannual Indiana Senior Day at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, hosted by State Representative Robin Shackleford in partnership with the CICOA Foundation and All Senior Citizens Connect. Over 100 seniors will attend the event at the Statehouse, where they will meet with their legislators, tour the Capitol, connect with key senior services, and enjoy a hearty breakfast and lunch.
Learn more about Franciscan’s PACE program.
Cutline 1: Erv Schreiber at his home with his daughter, Linda.
Cutline 2: Erv Schreider in his room of Chicago Cubs memorabilia.