Experts Discuss Expanding PACE Eldercare Model

Keynote speakers explored how integrating housing and healthcare supports aging in place during a recent Philadelphia summit.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Eldercare

Gouache-painted illustration of wooden walking canes leaning against a residential brick doorway, representing independent eldercare support. — Industry leaders at the Philadelphia summit explored how integrating PACE housing and medical services allows dual-eligible seniors to age in place. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe community-based care programs effectively help local seniors live independently in their own homes?

At the 2026 OPEN MINDS Technology & Analytics Institute in Philadelphia, industry leaders Paul F. Soczynski and Grace Li addressed the role of PACE programs in senior care. These initiatives aim to help older adults remain in their own homes by providing comprehensive medical and social services.

Why it matters

The PACE model prioritizes keeping seniors in their communities, offering a vital alternative to traditional institutional care. By integrating housing and medical support, programs like those operated by VOANS address the complex needs of dual-eligible seniors.

Nationwide, more than 200 PACE organizations operate 415 centers across 33 states and D.C., serving nearly 98,000 participants. VOANS manages eight of these locations across five states, providing coordinated care for over 1,000 seniors.

The players

Paul F. Soczynski

He participated as a keynote panelist at the 2026 OPEN MINDS Technology & Analytics Institute to discuss innovations in care delivery.

Grace Li

She joined the keynote panel to share insights on the future of PACE programs and senior service integration.

VOANS

This organization operates eight PACE locations and integrates healthcare services with affordable housing for more than 1,000 seniors.

The details

VOANS emphasizes co-locating PACE centers with affordable housing properties to streamline access to therapeutic, medical, and transportation services. This coordinated approach is designed to assist dual-eligible seniors, a group representing 2 million individuals across the country.

The 2026 OPEN MINDS Technology & Analytics Institute took place in Philadelphia from October 27-29, 2026.

Culture Shift

PACE programs represent a structural shift toward aging in place, aligning with modern efforts to reduce reliance on long-term institutional care. This model follows the trajectory of policy innovations designed to support the 2 million individuals meeting the Medicaid and Medicare dual-eligible enrollment criteria.

For families in Philadelphia and beyond, PACE programs offer a path for aging relatives to receive essential medical and social support without moving into a nursing home. Understanding these services can help residents plan for long-term care needs while maintaining independence at home.

The takeaway

PACE programs demonstrate that combining affordable housing with integrated health services can significantly improve the quality of life for seniors with complex needs. Families should research local PACE center availability as an proactive step toward managing aging-related care requirements.