I was born in the vibrant heart of Puerto Rico and moved to the Bronx in the 1950's. My artistic journey began at a senior center, where I first picked up a brush and let my imagination run wild across the canvas.
I was drawn to calm landscapes, the delicate beauty of flowers, and the endless wonder of nature. There's something magical about bringing a quiet forest or a blooming garden to life with just paint and heart.
Everything changed when I joined CenterLight. Under the guidance of Michelle, our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, I began to grow as an artist.
When we're in the art room, we laugh, we listen to music, and help each other. They make you feel at home. Without CenterLight, I'd just be sitting at home watching TV by myself.
CenterLight PACE participant Lillian speaking at the recent "Art Around the World" Exhibit.
Art has become more than a hobby — it's a journey, a joy, and a window into how I see the world. I'm just getting started, but I'm excited to keep learning and finding beauty in every brushstroke.
Lillian is a current* CenterLight PACE participant and has been enrolled since 2007.
H3329 LillianArtQuote_NoPOInfo *Last Updated May 12, 2025
Photo credit: Edgar Ruiz, Latin Lenz Entertainment
As people age, it can become harder to move around. Older adults often face challenges with weakness, balance issues, arthritis or recovery from an injury or illness.
Occupational therapy (OT) can help! At CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), occupational therapists help older adults stay active, safe, and self-sufficient so they can go about their daily lives with confidence.
What is Occupational Therapy?
OT helps people with everyday activities like getting dressed, eating and moving around. Simply put, occupational therapists help people learn new ways of doing things to make their life easier and help them stay independent.
Occupational therapy can help participants:
Improve balance
Prevent falls
Make their homes safer
Build better hand coordination
Complete tasks by using special tools
A Success Story
Our occupational therapists find ways to improve the lives of our participants. One man in our program has tremors (shaking hands) and had trouble feeding himself without spilling the food.
This left him upset and discouraged. Occupational Therapist Sara DiFatta recognized that he still had good hand strength and movement, so she gave him a special weighted spoon that helped control the tremors. With this new tool, he was able to feed himself without any spills. This is just one example of how therapists can educate participants on the proper use of equipment and offer strategies to increase independence.
Why Occupational Therapy?
As an occupational therapist, I get to build relationships with the participants I treat, allowing me to better understand their needs and provide more effective care. Seeing their progress and watching their outlook improve is incredibly rewarding.
Working with the CenterLight PACE Care Team
Our participants know that they have a designated care team available to offer hands-on support to help them live safely and independently at home. Our physical and occupational therapists are part of that Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). This group of dedicated professionals work together to make sure each participant gets the right care at the right time.
Open Gym CenterLight’s PACE Centers in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, and Westchester include an open gym available for participants. They can schedule transportation to and from the PACE center, where they may enjoy therapeutic recreation activities, nutritious meals, see their medical provider, and exercise — under one roof! It’s all part of Keeping Up with the PACE of Aging!
This blog post is written by Brendan Geraghty, Director of Rehabilitation at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
At CenterLight Healthcare PACE, we want to help our participants remain as healthy and independent as possible. By introducing Jintronix, a new technology that combines rehabilitation with entertainment, we hope to encourage participation, improve function, and offer a good overall experience.
What is Jintronix?
Jintronix is a computer exercise program that uses sensors to track how participants move and gives instant feedback. It feels like a video game and participants can join alone or in a group. The therapy sessions can be personalized, making them both enjoyable and effective.
Our goal is to help participants live independently in their own homes and communities. Physical and Occupational Therapists work with participants to make sure they can manage everyday tasks safely or recover from an injury.
Why Jintronix?
Reduced Risk of Injury
Increased Motivation
Sense of Achievement
Personalized Treatment
Improved Movement and Function
Faster Recovery Time
As a physical therapist, I’ve found that the pictures and sounds in Jintronix make participants enjoy therapy more. They improve faster and feel good about their progress. We make sure that each participant can manage at their own level. The exercises can be done while sitting or standing.
Madelyn’s story
“My name is Madelyn and I’m 61 years old. I used to work at the USO, where I had to do a lot of pushing and lifting. Arthritis in my spine caused pain all the time and I eventually needed surgery. I joined CenterLight in 2023 after a friend told me about it.
I love it here. Jintronix helps my body and my mind. I can see the exercises better on the large screen because of my cataracts.”
Madelyn added: “It’s fun. The exercises are easy to do.”
Now, Madelyn attends our open gym and uses Jintronix in group classes twice a week. She also works her core and does leg exercises for about 30 minutes daily. She feels stronger and doesn’t need her walker as much. She also encourages other participants to join her in the gym!
At CenterLight PACE, our goal is to find innovative solutions like Jintronix to provide high quality care and empower our participants, like Madelyn, on their path to recovery and well-being.
This blog post is written by Tatyana Brisman, Physical Therapist and Regional Rehabilitation Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
May is National Stroke Month--let's take this time to go over the signs of a stroke to ensure you can act quickly if you or a loved one is having an attack.
Did you know that having a stroke is just as serious as having a heart attack? According to the National Institute of Aging, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of serious adult disability. In addition, the risk of having a stroke increases as we age.
Recognizing the signs of a stroke will allow you to act fast--which can be the difference between life or death. If these signs are present, you should call 911 right away.
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Trouble speaking, thinking or walking due to a change in blood flow through the brain. These include slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech; sudden loss of balance or coordination; and sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech.
Difficulty seeing in one eye or both eyes or double vision.
Sudden dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause or warning, which may be due to bleeding in the brain.
Lower Your Risk!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that lifestyle choices can increase your risk for stroke. Below are some ways to help lower your it.
Maintain a healthy diet. Your diet should consist of food that are low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium, such as fruits and vegetables. Consult your dietitian to ensure that your meal plan is appropriate for your specific condition.
Stay active. Not getting enough physical activity can lead to other health conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you are a CenterLight PACE participant, speak with your Physical and Occupational Therapists regarding what exercises and physical activities are right for you.
Control high blood pressure and cholesterol. Speak with your medical provider regarding risks, prevention, and the treatment right for you.
Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking can contribute to damaging the heart and blood vessels. In addition, nicotine raises blood pressure.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure as well as the level of triglycerides, a form of fat in your blood that can harden arteries.
Lastly, see your medical provider regularly. It is important to monitor your health and treat health conditions properly to be able to minimize your risk of a stroke.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
Virgilio has been a participant at CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for 8 years. Virgilio says that since he's been at CenterLight PACE, everyone treats him like he belongs, like a family member. In his own words:
As a blind person, I depend on the voices. And when they talk to me, and they laugh with me, that's what makes me want to come here.
I’ve met some of the most wonderful and exciting people and I probably never would have met them if I hadn’t become a member of CenterLight.
Virgilio, CenterLight PACE Participant
Virgilio has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 8 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.
Excerpts from approved video: H3329 VirgilioNievesTestimonial Approved 03272025
After an accident or a serious health event, or as part of their long-term care, people often need rehabilitation services such as Physical Therapy (PT) and/or Occupational Therapy (OT).
Physical Therapy
CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Physical Therapists (PTs) help participants reduce pain and improve or restore mobility, often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications.
PTs can teach participants how to prevent or manage their condition so that they may achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each participant and develop a plan,using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, improve range of motion, regain strength, improve endurance, and prevent disability.
PTs also work with participants to prevent the loss of movement before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. Trained in exercise programs and rehabilitative interventions, PTs can also help with falls prevention. For older adults who wish to continue to live safely in their own homes, PTs can help with maintaining, restoring, and reaching the individuals’ optimum function.
Occupational Therapy
Through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations), Occupational Therapists (OTs) help participants do the things they want and need to do. This helps them maintain their independence and remain in the community for as long as possible.
Common occupational therapy interventions include providing treatment to individuals recovering from injury to help them regain skills. OTs provide support for those experiencing physical changes as well as rehabilitation and education to help participants perform everyday tasks. These include, but are not limited to, bathing, dressing, cooking, getting in and out of bed, getting in and out of a car, and other Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
For participants who may be having cognitive issues, OTs can also design exercises with the goal of improving memory and focus.
Open Gym
CenterLight Healthcare PACE centers, located in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, and Westchester, have an open gym available for participants to use. This is supervised by PTs and OTs to ensure safety and help participants get the most out of their exercises. Participants can contact our team to schedule transportation to and from the PACE center, where they can enjoy therapeutic recreation activities and nutritious meals, see their medical provider, and take advantage of the well-equipped open gym.
Working with the CenterLight PACE Care Team
At CenterLight PACE, physical and occupational therapists are part of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), a group of dedicated professionals who work together to provide participants with the care they need, when they need it. And because our PTs and OTs are working with the full care team, they collaborate with each discipline to provide high quality, holistic care.
This blog post is written by Brendan Geraghty, Director of Rehabilitation at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
Social Workers are important members of the CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). Every day, our social work professionals collaborate with the rest of the care team to help our participants continue to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities. In this blog post, Kim Sodano, LCSW, LNHA, Director of Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE, discusses the role of social workers in the IDT.
What is the role of a social worker?
Social workers provide counseling, emotional support, referrals, entitlement assistance, and more. CenterLight PACE participants know that social workers are part of their care team, and that they can come to us if they have a question, need assistance, or if they received a bill that they don't understand. We're here to guide them and be there for them as they keep up with the pace of aging.
How does the social worker collaborate with the rest of the care team?
As part of the IDT, social workers are involved in the discussion of effective treatment and any other issues that may affect our participants' care. We make sure that all aspects of the their situation is taken into consideration in their plan of care and addressed accordingly.
Each participant is assigned a social worker.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants are assigned a social worker who gets to know them--not only their medical diagnoses, but also their social, behavioral, emotional, and basic needs. Since we are based at the PACE centers, we are always available if they need assistance. Our participants can also call us, and we meet with them at the PACE centers or in their own homes.
Why did you become a social worker?
I became a social worker to make a positive impact toward social change. Being an advocate for individuals and communities while witnessing resilience and transformation is extremely rewarding.
Kim Sodano, LCSW, LNHA, is the Director of Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
H3329_SocialWork2025Blog Approved 02202025 Last updated January 15, 2025
Navigating the world of healthcare may feel like an overwhelming task. CenterLight’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated healthcare, and while PACE offers a lifeline to many older adults, the certification process for Medicare and Medicaid can often be confusing for them.
Ensuring that older adults can access the benefits they need without unnecessary barriers is more than just a matter of paperwork—it's about helping improve lives. CenterLight PACE can help answer questions and offer support to our participants or individuals interested in enrolling.
Understanding PACE
PACE programs provide comprehensive healthcare services to older adults who are eligible for Medicare and/or Medicaid, allowing them to stay in their home and communities for as long as possible. Through PACE, eligible* adults 55+ can receive all the services they need including medical care, rehabilitation services, home care, transportation, and more — all coordinated by a designated CenterLight PACE care team.
For older adults to benefit from this holistic care, they first need to meet specific eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to, proving eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid.* Medicare and/or Medicaid must be maintained to continue all the CenterLight PACE services.
Securing Medicare and Medicaid
For many PACE participants, the process of securing Medicare and Medicaid can feel overwhelming. It often involves gathering medical records, understanding state-specific rules and submitting forms. If you’re an older adult or a caregiver, this process may be daunting. Many people face challenges in understanding which documents are required, how to complete forms accurately, or where to go for help.
For someone already dealing with health concerns, the last thing they need is added stress. It’s no surprise that so many individuals end up frustrated and confused. There are resources available. And our CenterLight team can help simplify the process.
Simplifying the Process
At CenterLight PACE, we believe that navigating the certification and recertification process should not be an additional burden on older adults or their families. We can help our participants in several ways:
Providing Clear, Step-by-Step Guidance
Assisting with Paperwork
Connecting You to Resources
Answering Your Questions
Reducing Stress
Medicaid Renewal
We’re Here to Help
Healthcare shouldn’t be a confusing maze—especially for older adults who already have so much to manage. At CenterLight PACE, our goal is to simplify the Medicare and Medicaid certification process for our participants. We have partnered with Senior Planning Service to facilitate Medicaid recertifications. They work closely with enrolled participants and their families along with our Social Work teams to ensure annual Medicaid renewal is facilitated timely with no disruption in services. We believe in providing the guidance, support, and resources that seniors need to navigate this crucial step in their healthcare journey. Together, we can make the process easier, allowing older adults to focus on what matters most: their health, independence, and happiness.
If you or a loved one are interested in PACE and struggling with Medicare and Medicaid certification, reach out to us today. We’re here to help!
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is a collective effort of the Social Work Department at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
*See our Care Services page for a full list of eligibility requirements.
H3329 EntitlementsBlog 02202025 Updated January 6, 2024
As winter ends and the cold weather slowly goes away, spring brings with it beautiful flowers, grasses, and other pollen producers. During the spring months, we can start enjoying outdoor activities such as gardening or walking in the park. But while most people look forward to this season, it may not be as enjoyable for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Below are some tips to help reduce the discomfort of allergies:
Look out for allergy symptoms such as red, watery, and itchy eyes; sneezing; congestion; and runny nose.
Consult with your medical provider. Let your doctor or other medical provider know what your symptoms are so they can advise you of proper treatment and prevention techniques. Medical providers can also recommend new and existing allergy treatments that you can try to reduce the effects of allergy-causing substances.
If you are taking allergy medications, take them as prescribed. Medication compliance is a very important part of remaining safe and healthy.
Make sure you note when high pollen count days occur. Remain indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high. Keep doors and windows closed.
Do not touch your eyes outside and wash your hands before touching them indoors.
If possible, avoid plants that are considered worse for allergies. These include, but are not limited to:
Flowers such as daisies, jasmine, and chrysanthemums
Indoor plants such as ferns
Shrubs such as cypress, juniper, and wisteria
High-pollen producing trees such as olive, birch, pine, oak, elm, cedar, and walnut
Bermuda grass, Johnson, orchard, and other varieties of grass
If your caregiver has pets and is visiting your home, tell them to wipe the pets down before they come in from outside. Pets' coats can be pollen and mold magnets.
For CenterLight Healthcare PACE Participants:
If you think you have allergies or are experiencing symptoms, your CenterLight PACE care team can help. Please let us know right away so that we can adjust your treatment plans. This includes recommending appropriate treatments based on your condition, and ensuring that any allergy regimen does not conflict with other medications or treatment.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides care and services that our participants need to help them remain living safely and independently in their own homes. We serve more than 6,300 people every day—and beyond medical and nursing care, physical and occupational therapies, nutrition, social work, and therapeutic recreation services, our team aims to improve the quality of life of those we serve. True to our mission, our goal is to make a difference in our participants’ lives.
Some of our participants’ favorite activities are our “Self-Care” programs, which allow them to relax and enjoy services such as manicures, massages & haircuts from certified individuals. Our Flushing, Wallerstein (Bronx), Westchester, and Stillwell locations even have a dedicated space for a salon/barber shop, while the rest of the sites bring in beauty care experts as part of their special events.*
These types of programs may not be the usual activities that come to mind when you think of healthcare. But at CenterLight PACE, we believe that providing complete care means we provide not only services that our participants need for their physical health, but also those that can help them feel good mentally and emotionally. In essence, we aim to nourish our participants' body and soul.
For CenterLight PACE participants, one of the benefits of self-care programs is the convenience of not having to go to a salon or barber shop. On days when self-care programs are in the schedule at our PACE centers, our participants can enjoy these services while they are at the site taking part in other TR activities, seeing their nurse, speaking with their social worker and dietitian, or using the open gym. Although it may be tough for some older adults to travel from one place to another, for CenterLight PACE participants, transportation is provided to and from our centers.
As we grow older, we may fear losing our independence or being too focused on other needs that self-care becomes very low on the priority list. It’s amazing how a simple haircut or manicure can help someone feel more confident and in control, and more importantly, promote a healthy sense of self that can contribute to mental wellness. In fact, a study published in the National Library of Medicine concluded that beauty care is effective for maintaining and improving the self-rated health and depression status of community-dwelling older adults.**
Our commitment to holistic care and providing these types of simple but meaningful experiences for our participants come from the belief that an individual's health and capabilities may decline with age, but their personalities and who they are at their core remain. We love that we get to know our participants as their unique selves while respecting their individual needs and preferences. They become like family, and it's always amazing to see your family feel good about themselves. I have personally seen how these simple things can make participants feel connected to their younger selves, and our team is very privileged to be a small part of those moments.
*Participants should check the TR activities schedule or ask their care team when self-care/beauty care programs are scheduled at their site.
What do you see first when you enter a building? What makes you feel at home? What makes a place feel warm and inviting, aside from the people in it?
Walk into one of CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly’s (PACE) eleven centers, and you will be welcomed by colorful, beautiful photography at the lobby, courtesy of Angie Lavigat, Assistant Vice President of Network and Vendor Contracting.
We spoke with Angie about what it’s like sharing the gift of photography with CenterLight PACE participants and staff. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation.
How long have you been taking photos?
I have always taken photos, even when I was young. I started taking photos professionally about 10 years ago. It’s a privilege being involved in special events in people’s lives. And now that my photographs are mostly of nature, I love capturing the beauty around us.
What do you like most about photography?
Photography is a way of freezing time. I love remembering moments captured in a single frame, those special memories and feelings evoked by pictures.
How did your photos end up at the CenterLight PACE Center lobbies?
I was working with colleagues on a special beautification project. The centers are full of life and warmth from the people in them. Our participants and staff make the sites a beautiful place to be just with who they are as people. But when you look around, the space was missing something. That is when the idea of putting up photos that our participants, staff, and visitors would enjoy and love to look at came about.
I feel honored that the pictures I took were chosen to be displayed at the sites. CenterLight is very special to me, as I have been working here for 30 years. I started taking more photos of gardens and flowers especially for this project on my own time, including ones that I took at a trip to the Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona and some from the Orange County Arboretum. It was a labor of love.I wanted to make sure that the photos are perfect, because our participants and staff deserve nothing less.
What is the best part of having your photos displayed at the CenterLight PACE centers?
At CenterLight PACE, our mission is to help enrich the lives of those we serve. I am thankful that I can be even a small part of fulfilling it every day, and that when our participants come into our PACE centers, they will see the photos I’ve taken. It’s the best feeling when I hear that the displays brought smiles to people’s faces. I even heard that someone cried after seeing the pictures. I feel emotional and very humbled knowing that I am able to share beauty through my photography, and that it has made a difference in someone’s day.
I am very rooted at CenterLight. It is like a second home to me, just like it’s a second home to our participants who attend the centers and to my coworkers. I could not think of a better place for my photography to be in, than in a place that holds such deep meaning for so many.
What would you like people to take away from looking at your photos?
When participants, staff, and visitors look at my photos, I want them to look at the beauty of nature and remember that no matter what, life is beautiful.
Enjoy a few of Angie's photos below! (Please click on the photo to view high resolution versions.)
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Art is a big part of life at CenterLight Healthcare PACE Centers. Look out for announcements regarding our Participant Art Exhibit, coming soon!
H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_Angie Last updated March 17, 2025
According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States care for a loved one who is elderly, sick, and/or with special needs. As the population ages, more people find themselves serving as a caregiver.*
This has resulted in a number of issues that caregivers themselves face. Studies show that between 40-70% of family caregivers experience clinical symptoms of depression, often because of feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with caregiving responsibilities. In fact, 17% of caregivers reported their health has worsened due to their obligations which can progress over time.**
Signs of caregiver stress can present in many ways, including:
Alcohol and/or drug misuse/abuse.
Constant feeling of worry, depression, and/or anxiety.
Feeling tired, sleeping too much, or not enough.
Weight gain or loss.
Irritability.
Loss of interest in activities you may have previously enjoyed.
Having frequent headaches, or other pains, and/ or health problems.
Missing medical appointments.
Strategies for Staying Well
It can be hard to trust someone else with your loved one's care, but taking time for self-care is important for both you and them. Self-care helps you stay balanced, focused, and effective as a caregiver. Make sure to set aside time in your routine to focus on yourself. This will help you feel more connected and content.
Available resources for caregivers include:
Respite careservices – provides short-term relief, allowing time for rest, travel, or to spend time with others. For example, caregivers of CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants can rely on us to provide care while you are on vacation or have other matters that need your attention. While you are away, you'll have peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the care and services they need.
Support groups are available in the community and online, providing opportunities to connect with others with the same experiences.
Educational resources are also available at your local library or online. Find helpful information regarding caregiving from trustworthy sources. Learning about what you're facing can help reduce anxiety and give you confidence as you navigate your role as a caregiver. Some organizations that have a wealth of caregiver information include MedlinePlus, Medicare.gov, and the National Institute on Aging.
You may also find the following tips helpful:
Find an activity/hobby that interests you. Participate in yoga, go on walks, see a movie, have dinner with friends and family, and other activities that can help keep you in touch with others.
Eat healthy, exercise, and see your own medical provider regularly. As a caregiver, you might not get enough sleep, or physical activity, or you might not eat a balanced diet. Lack of sleep, exercise, and poor eating habits can increase your risk for health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, stress over time can harm your health. Be mindful of your own health and see your own medical provider for regular check-ups and preventative care.
Meditate. One of the simplest relaxation techniques is breath awareness. Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood, enhances focus, and helps lower blood pressure.
Ask for help. As a caregiver, you may be juggling many responsibilities -- and knowing when to seek assistance, whether from friends, other members of your family, community organizations, or programs like CenterLight Healthcare PACE means that you have your loved one's best interest in mind.
We hope that you find this article helpful. More importantly, remember that you are not alone. There are resources available that offer caregiver support.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by:
Jocelyn Pappalardo, BSN, RN, Director of Quality at CenterLight PACE
Meghan Little, MSN, RN, Quality Management Specialist at CenterLight PACE
Sheila’s journey with CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) began when she was out for a walk with her sister and niece near the Wallerstein PACE Center in the Bronx. As she passed by, she saw the staff outside preparing for a fashion show. The staff warmly welcomed Sheila, who said she wanted to watch, and she was so impressed with the PACE program that she immediately enrolled.
As Sheila shares in the video testimonial, CenterLight truly “saved her life.” It gave her a reason to leave the house and quickly became a source of both physical and mental activity. In her own words:
I love CenterLight. I really do. CenterLight saved my life, I was at home, gaining, gaining and gaining weight, doing nothing. Then, CenterLight gave me my painting, which I love. It makes me feel good. Everything is right here. You don’t have to go to a clinic, you come right here, and you see your doctor, your nurse, your physical therapist; everything is here. You get your nails done, you get your hair done and everything. It’s nice, really nice. I love the whole staff. They’re like my daughters and sons, I love them. As soon as I come inside the door, I know I’m about to be with people who care for me and about me, and I enjoy myself. So come on down and enjoy yourself at CenterLight.
At CenterLight PACE, Sheila discovered a deep love for painting, and she also thrives on the social connections she’s made with her peers, considering them part of her extended family. These relationships, along her activities, have truly been a lifeline. Sheila joined her painting group years ago and her love for her art has never wavered. In fact, one of Sheila’s paintings was chosen for a special calendar project and she won an award for it. Sheila still fondly recalls the experience and speaks about it proudly.
Sheila has been a CenterLight PACE participant for 11 years and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.
H3329 SheilaBlog2024 Approved 01232025 Last Updated December 27, 2024
We all need social connections to survive and thrive--but as we age, we may find ourselves spending more time alone.
Did you know that social isolation can affect our health and wellbeing?
Studies show that not having social interactions with others can lead to higher risks in health problems such as heart disease, depression, and memory issues.* According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation is associated with about 50% increase risk of dementia. Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.**
This is because people who are isolated may get too little physical exercise, experience emotional pain that can increase stress and lead to unhealthy habits, and have limited conversations and activities, consequently weakening brain health.
How can you avoid the negative effects of social isolation? Here are some ideas to help you stay connected:
Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new.
Participating in activities can help individuals make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. In addition, learning a new hobby or discovering new talents can help with cognitive and physical health, as well as boost confidence and increase motivation for engagement.
For example, CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants have access to PACE centers, where they can join more than 100 activities at each site per month. These include arts and crafts, bingo, field trips, special programs such as pet therapy, and music programs, as well as special events, holidays, and cultural celebrations.
Schedule time each day to get in touch with family, friends, and/or neighbors in person, by email, social media, phone, or text.*
Talk with people you trust and share your feelings. Sending letters or cards—although not common nowadays—is another good way to keep up friendships.
CenterLight PACE participant Sheila talks about how finding her passion for art helped in her healthcare journey.
Stay physically active.
Consult your medical provider to learn what physical activities you can do at home or in the community, such as walking with a friend. CenterLight PACE participants may go to our PACE centers to use our open gym or join exercise programs at our day health center.
Join a support group.
Speak with people with whom you share common interests and/or who have experienced the same situations. Sharing your thoughts and supporting others can lead to important connections that may not necessarily be provided by family and friends.
Speak with your social worker.
A social work professional can recommend community resources and other ways to improve your emotional and mental health. CenterLight PACE participants have an assigned social worker as part of their care team.
Speak with your doctor or medical provider.
For some individuals, depression may be the cause of social isolation or the result of it. Medical professionals can diagnose conditions and recommend treatments if needed.
Lastly, remember to ask for help and reach out to others. We may not be aware that we are starting to be more isolated, but accepting assistance and knowing that there are resources available is a great way to minimize the risks associated with social isolation.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by:
Kathleen Keegan, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at CenterLight Healthcare PACE
Kimberly Sodano, LCSW, Director of Social Work at CenterLight Healthcare PACE
Each day, CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants receive care and services from a team of professionals called the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). We spoke to Phyllis Russell, Registered Dietitian at CenterLight PACE, about the role of Dietitians in the IDT.
What is the role of a dietitian within the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)?
CenterLight PACE Dietitians work with our participants, their caregivers and other members of the IDT to create an individualized meal plan according to the participants’ health conditions and food preferences.
As one of the registered dietitians at CenterLight, I do home visits where I can help participants manage their diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol or their weight by ensuring they have the education they need to stay with a healthy diet.
I also teach exciting classes once a month. We talk about the importance of nutrition, we make smoothies, we talk about what’s new in the news that affect their health.
How does the dietitian work with the rest of the IDT?
The dietitian works very closely with all the members of the team. For example, when I do meal observations, I can see if participants need any type of help with feeding and if so I can go to the occupational therapist who can then order adaptive equipment.
I also work with the social workers. When I make my home visits, if I ever notice that participants have issues perhaps with finances, or they don’t have food or anything that may come up, I can go to the social workers who can then help them apply for food stamps or find another solution.
Also I work with the nurses and doctors dealing with participants’ clinical status in managing their diabetes and their hypertension.
The team always comes together so we can discuss everything that’s going on with our participants.
Can you tell us about meal observation?
I do meal observation at our center once a week. This is when I come during lunch time and take note of how participants are eating, what they’re eating, what they’re not eating, and if someone has difficulty with chewing and swallowing. Through this program I can also see if they’re having difficulty feeding themselves. And sometimes I do actually sit down and help feed the participants.
Beyond your role in helping participants get proper nutrition, what is your goal as a dietitian?
If I notice they don’t like something, for example, I can go back to our vendor and report back if they didn’t perhaps like the chicken that day or they don’t like the way it was cooked, they don’t like the flavor. Always, everything is about our participants and making sure they’re happy and they like what they’re receiving.
What is the advantage of having a dietitian as part of the team?
Through the IDT, our participants have access to every single discipline that they need to help them stay well in the community.
Not many people have access to a dietitian. Maybe you can go to the clinic, you can see a doctor, you can run into a nurse, but where’s the dietitian? But here at CenterLight, since we have this Interdisciplinary approach, I’m part of the team.
What inspires you about your work?
My work is mostly inspired by helping the population that we have here enjoy their years right now. I am motivated by just interacting with our participants, seeing them enjoy the food, talking with them. Our participants are so much fun. I learn a lot from them as much as I try to educate them.
Phyllis Russell, MSN, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
This blog post was originally published in 2020, and republished in 2025. H3329_2020BLOG_Dietitian Approved 03112020 Last updated March 5, 2020
CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is home to many talented participants, and the choir at our Stillwell location in Brooklyn is no exception. The Stillwell Choir began as a musical ensemble featuring instruments like the accordion, banjo and erhu, a two-stringed Chinese instrument that is played with a bow. Accompanied by CenterLight PACE's Therapeutic Recreation Specialist on piano, participants regularly come together to perform a diverse range of music, including traditional Chinese folk songs, opera, and Russian tunes. This vibrant mix of cultures is a testament to the unity fostered at CenterLight.
The CenterLight Stillwell Choir is always eager to explore new music and welcomes new performers to join their ranks. Tanglai Kwai Ping, who chose to attend the Stillwell PACE site to be part of the choir, learned Chinese opera decades ago in Hong Kong. At CenterLight PACE, she continues to enjoy singing while also expanding her social circle within the choir.
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Albert Laiquong began playing the banjo at the age of 12, learning from his brother. It was not until he joined the CenterLight PACE Stillwell center that he had the opportunity to perform alongside other musicians.
Loh Sui Zhu, who has always loved music and enjoyed singing at home, discovered her passion for Chinese opera at CenterLight PACE. She also honed her accordion skills, which she first picked up from her daughter.
Siu Shui Tong found her voice after joining Stillwell, where she cherishes the socialization and camaraderie she shares with the group.
The CenterLight Stillwell Choir is a true source of pride for both its participants and the staff at the Stillwell PACE Center, and an example of participants pursuing and enjoying their passions. The choir recently showcased their talent at a multi-location holiday event and eagerly anticipate more opportunities to perform in the future.
H3329 StillwellChoir Approved 02202025 Updated January 6, 2025
According to the National Cancer Institute, prevention and screening efforts have been major contributors to saving lives from breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.* This National Cancer Prevention Month, we would like to remind you about the importance of preventative care.
Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best.** It is also important to note that individuals who have an increased risk, such as people with a family history of cancer, must start screenings early.
The following are some preventative screenings recommended for older adults:
Breast Cancer Screening (mammograms)
Cervical Cancer Screenings (Pap Test and HPV Test)
Prostate Cancer Screening
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Lung Cancer Screening (especially for people who have a history of heavy smoking and are between 50 and 80 years of age)
Other cancer screenings including, but not limited to, ovarian, pancreatic, and thyroid, as well as screenings recommended by your medical provider based on your health, history, and risk factors.
We also recommend the following:
See your doctor or medical provider regularly. Regular check-ups help medical professionals identify issues before they get worse and provide appropriate treatment as needed.
If you experience symptoms or any change in condition, let your medical provider know as soon as possible. You do not have to wait until your next appointment or assessment. CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) participants can also speak with any member of their care team at any time if there’s any change in how they feel.
Live a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption can help decrease your risk of sickness. CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants can stay active by joining in on therapeutic recreation activities at the PACE centers or using our open gym. CenterLight dietitians can recommend a proper diet and educate participants and their caregivers on healthy meals. Consult with your medical provider to determine what exercise and/or diet works best for you.
Remember: preventative care works. The earlier cancer is detected, the higher the likelihood of effective treatments prolonging one's life.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
When asked what she loves about CenterLight PACE, Yeping points to the many activities provided at the PACE Center, and to the staff members who treat her and her peers like family. She also shares that since joining the program, she has learned English through one of the classes led by CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jin Hwa.
CenterLight is like a big family. Everyone is very happy, it is really like that. Life is truly good here.
Watch the video below to hear from Yeping in her own words:
Yeping has been a CenterLight PACE participant since 2013 and is enrolled as a participant at the time of posting.
H3329 YepingBlog2024 Approved 01022025 Last Updated January 2, 2025
CenterLight Healthcare is New York's largest Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Each day, we deliver care and services to thousands of adults 55+ through the combined expertise of our Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), a group of dedicated professionals who work together to provide our participants with the care they need, when they need it. The IDT includes but is not limited to a nurse, doctor, physical therapist, an occupational therapist, social worker, therapeutic recreation specialist, a dietitian, transportation coordinator, and a PACE center manager. Each participant has a full team dedicated to them, who collaborate to discuss their needs, effective treatment, plan of care, and any other aspects in their lives that affect their well-being.
Like Pieces of a Puzzle Coming Together
Healthcare is often confusing and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At CenterLight PACE, we bring together all services our participants need in their healthcare journey. We coordinate necessary services, so that participants and their loved ones don't have to. Each discipline has a specific role—with every person bringing a different perspective—allowing us to provide holistic, person-centered, and personalized care to our participants and helping them continue to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Because CenterLight PACEmedical providers are on-site, they’re able to keep a close eye on participants' health and focus on preventative care. If issues come up, they are always there to see the participants as needed. All PACE centers have a Nurse who can treat the participant if they are not feeling well or if the team sees a change in condition. This helps prevent hospital and urgent care visits. Our centers are equipped to handle minor conditions such as fever, minor headaches, body aches and pains, symptoms of upper respiratory infections, and more. Our medical staff is able to administer specialized treatments and interventions including wound care and IV Therapy. Our team also assists with medication management, hypertension, diabetes management, preventative screenings, and helps participants obtain needed medical equipment, which are also provided by CenterLight PACE.
As part of home care services, a Community Health Nurse visits participants in their home to assess their needs and make sure they receive necessary care.
Beyond medical care, each participant is assigned a Social Worker who provides emotional support, counseling, referrals, and when possible, encourages family involvement.
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Specialists design activities with our participants’ needs in mind. They coordinate services such as art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, and pet therapy. There are over 100 activities at each center per month, taking into consideration cultural diversity and the unique preferences of our participants.
Physical Therapists focus on participants' ability to walk, climb up and down stairs, and their ability to go outside in the community. Occupational Therapists, on the other hand, look at Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, and grooming. These rehabilitation professionals also supervise our open gym, which is available to all participants at our PACE centers.
Our Registered Dietitians’ role is to provide nutrition interventions based on each participant’s care plan. This includes helping them manage their diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and weight. They are located in our centers, can answer any questions participants may have and provide nutrition counseling.
Led by the PACE Center Manager, the team meets regularly, develops a plan of care, and works with the participant's community primary care doctor and in-network specialist. A Coordinator schedules transportation to and from medical appointments, as well as the PACE Center.
Imagine all your clinicians, therapists, and care professionals under one roof – listening to you, working together, and communicating as one team. This model of care results in efficient delivery of services, effective preventative care, and high quality care with the participant at the center of everything we do.
To learn more, contact us at 1-833-CL-CARES (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, Monday-Friday.
H3329 CareTeamBlog Approved 01022025 Updated November 27, 2024
This blog post is written by Tara Buonocore-Rut, President and Chief Executive Officer at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
Did you know that you could have a vision problem and not be aware of it? The best way to take care of your vision is to have preventative vision checks. Make sure you visit your eye care provider regularly to prevent any condition from getting worse, and to help treat issues you may already have.
January is National Eye Care Month. Below are some additional tips that can help promote eye health:
Maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Diabetes can increase your risk of some eye diseases including, in severe cases, vision loss and blindness. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure that you check your blood sugar level regularly, take medications as prescribed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent complications. Speak with your medical provider to learn ways to minimize eye issues.
Monitor your blood pressure.
Having a controlled blood pressure is important for reducing your risk of developing vision problems. Speak with your medical provider regarding your risk factors and if you are having symptoms of high blood pressure, which can include blurred vision, headache, dizziness, etc. Some of the ways you can manage your blood pressure include maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy weight, keeping active, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
Eat right.
Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Kale, spinach, and collard greens, for example, are rich in both vitamins C and E. There are also plant-based forms of vitamin A that help lower your risk of long-term eye diseases such as cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which affects a person's central vision.
Rest your eyes.
Try to limit television, computer, or phone screen time and take a break every 20 minutes. Spending too much time staring at a screen can cause eye strain.
Clean your hands before touching your eyes.
To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with your hands—use a clean tissue instead.
Wear sunglasses.
Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing UV-A and UV-B radiation-protected lenses. The rays from the sun can be very harmful to unprotected eyes.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their medical provider regarding their care.
This blog post is written by Myrlhene Descollines, MPA, RN, BSN, Vice President of Clinical Services at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | www.cdc.gov
H3329 Blog_NoPOInfo_EyeHealth Updated December 12, 2024
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYSDOH. Participants may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services. Upon enrollment, the PACE program will be the participant’s sole service provider. Participants will have access to all services needed as identified by the Interdisciplinary Team, but not to a specific provider of these services. Please contact us for more information.
