Rocky Mountain PACE is expanding its reach with the opening of the Quail Lake Day Center, a growing fleet of vehicles and a budding volunteer program—all aimed at helping seniors in Colorado Springs remain independent. 

PACE, short for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, serves adults 55 and older who meet nursing home-level criteria but wish to continue living at home. The nonprofit has grown steadily since its 2008 launch and now supports more than 1,000 participants through three day centers: its original Pikes Peak Avenue location, Explorer on the city’s north side and, since February 2025, Quail Lake on the south end of town. 

“Our participants are frail elderly. When you have day centers that are strategically located in communities where they live, they are more likely to participate,” said Andi McDonough, MSPT, Rocky Mountain PACE vice president of external relations.

A COMPREHENSIVE CARE MODEL

Potential clients—known as “participants” for their active role in care—must need help with at least two daily activities, such as dressing or bathing, and meet financial requirements. Those already in nursing homes do not qualify.

Once enrolled, participants receive an integrated care plan that may include in-home nursing, therapy, wound care and specialty services. Coverage spans all Medicare Part A, B and D services, all Medicaid benefits and other supports the Interdisciplinary Team deems necessary for health and independence.

At the day centers, participants can see their care team, share a hot meal and take part in activities ranging from crafts and fitness classes to bocce ball, Wii bowling and bingo—“the most important to almost everybody,” McDonough said with a smile.

The Pikes Peak and Explorer centers also feature “Memory Lane” areas designed for those with cognitive challenges who need quieter, low-stimulation spaces. Quail Lake, meanwhile, offers a cozy lodge-like setting meant to feel welcoming and homey.

“We wanted it to feel like a place where our participants would want to come,” said McDonough.

Attendance at the day centers is voluntary. For some, it’s occasionally, while others visit daily. It’s also an opportunity for team members to observe participants and track changes in their condition.

GOING BEYOND MEDICAL CARE

PACE’s Interdisciplinary Team includes medical providers, social workers, therapists, drivers and others who meet regularly to coordinate care. If a needed service isn’t offered in-house—such as cardiology or neurology—PACE contracts with community providers.

Transportation is another hallmark. With more than 50 buses, vans and cars, PACE provides nearly 90,000 rides annually to appointments and day centers. Drivers assist participants door-to-door, even helping with walkers, wheelchairs or shoveling snowy walkways.

Funded primarily through Medicare, Medicaid and its annual Chef Showcase fundraiser, PACE also recently hired a grant writer to pursue additional support. 

The organization employs about 460 staff members, has won several employer awards and continues to recruit CNAs, nurses, drivers and schedulers.

McDonough said PACE will give in-home nursing care until a participant moves into long-term care, passes away or disenrolls. And PACE has more flexibility than a standard home health company to offer more services in the home, such as social work, behavioral health and even some specialist visits. 

“It’s a great, supportive, person-centered model of care unlike any other in the United States,” McDonough said.

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