Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Center in Bell Gardens.

Health care access

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Seniors in Los Angeles face many difficulties in accessing healthcare and affordable housing which significantly impacts their overall well-being. Having reduced mobility, traveling to healthcare facilities is difficult and the cost of transportation is prohibitive.
Despite Medicare coverage, out-of-pocket costs for medical services, prescriptions, and specialized treatments can be significant, making it difficult for some seniors to afford the care they need.
Long wait times, a shortage of geriatricians, as well as language and cultural barriers, make accessing healthcare challenging for seniors. They may be reluctant to seek help for mental health issues. The complexity of the healthcare system can be overwhelming for the elderly, making it difficult for them to navigate insurance benefits and treatment plans. Lack of access to digital tools and platforms as well as an inability to use patient portals and other online health resources complicate senior’s access to modern healthcare.

In early 2026, Northeast Community Clinic (NECC) will open a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in Bell Gardens. PACE offers a holistic approach to elder care, ensuring that older adults with complex medical needs can receive comprehensive, coordinated care while continuing to live in their communities. Allowing seniors the dignity of living at home while being able to receive necessary care is ideal for modern seniors who don’t want to be a burden on their families or go into a nursing facility. It emphasizes preventive care, personalized plans, and a supportive environment, significantly enhancing the quality of life for its participants.
In the second phase of development, NECC will create senior housing comprising approximately 30 one-bedroom units designed to meet the needs of those who cannot live on their own. The first floor of the senior housing facility will include communal spaces such as a dining area, an entertainment lounge, an administrative office, and a security office, fostering a sense of community and ensuring residents have access to essential services and support.
For over 50 years, Northeast Community Clinics (NECC), has provided high-quality medical care to the uninsured and low-income residents of Los Angeles County. We are excited to bring the PACE center to Bell Gardens and help seniors live healthy independent lives.

According to recent AARP surveys, a significant majority of older adults (approximately 77% of adults aged 50 and older) prefer to age in place rather than move to a nursing home. Research indicates that seniors value the independence and familiarity that comes with living at home.
At home, seniors have more control over their daily activities, schedules, and choices, which contributes to their sense of independence. Home environments offer more privacy, reduce stress, and are much more affordable compared to nursing facilities.
Giving seniors autonomy while providing for their medical needs is the very essence of the PACE program, and the success of the Bell Gardens center will be a model on which we can take other PACE centers into Los Angeles. The addition of affordable housing for seniors is another way to ease the stress of aging in Los Angeles amidst high housing costs. While our initial building will have 30 units, we will be able to add more to accommodate additional demand.

To determine if a PACE program is successful, we will evaluate changes in patient's health status, such as reductions in hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and long-term care facility placements. We will also assess improvements or maintenance in participants' activities of daily living, as well as evaluate the breadth and integration of services provided, ensuring they meet the holistic needs of participants.
Assessing the financial performance will be done by comparing the costs of providing care through PACE with our traditional care models. Looking for reductions in overall healthcare spending will help assess the financial sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the program.
The most important indicators will be patient satisfaction, which will be measured through surveys and feedback. Retention rates can indicate if patients are satisfied with the program. Additionally the number of applications for senior housing units will determine if there is a demand to build more.