Mountain Empire PACE

Mountain Empire PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is run by Mountain Empire Older Citizens, the area agency on aging for Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton. It is an alternative to nursing facility care for adults 55 and older who are eligible for nursing facility level of care but can live safely at home with support. Participants are brought to the PACE center on scheduled days for medical care, therapy, social activities and a hot lunch, and an interdisciplinary team coordinates all of their care. It is licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services as an adult day care center for up to 110 participants.

At the center, participants may receive medical care, rehabilitation and therapy services, and social activities, with a hot lunch and morning and afternoon snacks. PACE also covers outpatient tests, specialist care, hospital care, prescription medications, durable medical equipment, nutritional services, respite, and personal or home care, all approved by the PACE Interdisciplinary Team. Wheelchair-accessible transportation is provided to the center and to authorized medical appointments at no cost.

The state license lists the center at 1501 3rd Ave E, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219, and Mountain Empire PACE gives its physical address as 1508 Third Avenue East. Mountain Empire Older Citizens' office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. PACE is funded by Medicare and Medicaid; people with both pay no deductibles or co-payments, while others pay a monthly premium. Call (276) 523-4202, or the PACE line at 276-523-0599, to ask about eligibility and enrollment.