Categoría: Cuidados Todo Incluido

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Aging well isn’t just about doctor visits and prescriptions. It’s about staying connected to the community and being able to manage everyday needs. For many older adults with complex health conditions, coordinating care, managing appointments, and handling everyday activities can become difficult over time. Programs that bring these supports together in one place can help reduce that burden.

That’s where CenterLight Healthcare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) comes in, offering a support system built around the unique needs and preferences of older adults.

All the Care You Need

CenterLight PACE serves adults aged 55 and over who have Medicaid and/or Medicare, need more than 120 days of community-based long-term care, and live in their service area.*

The organization’s mission is to provide individualized care that enriches the lives of those they serve and helps them age in place.

Their care team — which includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, therapeutic recreation specialists, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and dietitians — works together to provide all the care their participants need. Their services include medical care, prescription medications, vision and dental care, socialization and recreation activities, rehabilitation, home care, transportation to and from medical appointments and the PACE center, and more. In addition, participants have access to the CenterLight open gym as well as their Day Health Center, where they can enjoy nutritious meals and therapeutic recreation activities.

By organizing care through one program, CenterLight PACE aims to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and help participants continue living in their homes and communities rather than transitioning to nursing facilities.

The “My Needs Card:” Supporting Everyday Life

Beyond these services, CenterLight PACE recognizes that practical, everyday needs matter, including groceries, household essentials, and more. CenterLight’s “My Needs Card” gives an extra layer of support, helping ensure that participants thrive with independence.

Every month, CenterLight PACE participants receive $220 (no rollover)** to spend on items that support quality of life. Instead of worrying about small but essential expenses, participants can use the card to support their routines and personal preferences, including stocking the kitchen and covering household essentials.

The My Needs Card is also part of CenterLight’s commitment to preventive care and overall well‑being. Participants have opportunities to earn an additional $30 for each completed wellness action (up to $360 per year) by taking steps that support long‑term health, such as getting recommended vaccinations or completing annual dental and vision exams.

Since CenterLight PACE already covers prescription medications and medically necessary diabetic supplies, the My Needs Card can be used for the things that make everyday life more manageable and enjoyable. Eligible purchases include food, toiletries, over‑the‑counter items, utility bills, fitness memberships, and transportation for non‑medical needs. The card is accepted at major retailers as well as thousands of local stores, giving participants flexibility to shop where they feel most comfortable.

The My Needs Card reflects CenterLight PACE’s belief that aging well means feeling supported, respected, and in control of daily choices. 

Supporting Body, Mind, and Spirit

With older adults facing more challenges in a changing healthcare environment, CenterLight PACE is an all-in-one solution that supports the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. By combining expert medical care with social connection, community support, and added flexibility through the My Needs Card, CenterLight PACE empowers their participants to live safely and confidently in their own homes. It’s more than just healthcare. It’s a community of care built around each participant’s unique healthcare journey.

If you would like more information, you can visit their website at www.centerlighthealthcare.org or call 1-888-681-PACE (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, Monday-Friday.

*Click here for a full list of eligibility requirements.

**Any unused monthly “My Needs Card” benefit amount expires and does not roll over to the next month. However, earned wellness rewards can be used until the end of the year. The “My Needs Card” does not substitute for required or already provided Medicaid and/or Medicare covered services under PACE. The Interdisciplinary Team determines medical necessity.

H3329 MyNeedsCard Approved 04012026

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The body’s endocrine system plays an important role in regulating essential functions through hormones such as insulin, which helps control blood sugar, melatonin (which supports healthy sleep), and growth hormones that influence overall wellness. As we age, changes in hormone levels are common and can contribute to health conditions that require ongoing care and monitoring.

Hormonal/Endocrine Disorders

CenterLight PACE provides comprehensive care for participants living with conditions such as:

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Hypo/Hypethyroidism
• Renal Failure
• Dialysis

A Team to Support Hormonal Health

At the CenterLight Healthcare Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), our goal is to manage our participants' health and help them continue to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

The strength of CenterLight Healthcare PACE lies in the skill and dedication of our care team, which includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and therapeutic recreation specialists. Each participant receives personalized care according to their needs. For those managing hormonal or endocrine conditions, care is coordinated by the CenterLight PACE team and may include services from our extensive network of specialty providers. We also have a team of pharmacists who help with proper management of medications.

Services to Support Hormonal Health

Care for participants with hormonal or endocrine disorders may include a combination of services provided both at the CenterLight PACE Center and at home.

At CenterLight PACE, we take a whole‑person approach to hormonal health—providing coordinated, compassionate care that supports both medical needs and everyday well‑being. By combining clinical expertise with personalized services, we help participants manage their conditions with confidence while continuing to live comfortably and independently at home.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE se compromete a proporcionar información precisa relacionada con la salud para ayudar a las personas a vivir bien, mantenerse sanas y tomar decisiones bien informadas sobre la atención sanitaria. La información contenida en este material es estrictamente educativa. Recomendamos a los usuarios que consulten con su proveedor médico acerca de su atención.

About the Author

Patricia Connelly serves as Chief Operations Officer at CenterLight Healthcare. Inspired by her mother who is a retired registered nurse, Patty built her career around a passion for caring for others. When asked what she enjoys most about working in healthcare, Patty shares that engaging with the participants who rely on CenterLight for their care is the most rewarding and fulfilling part of her role.

In her own words:

“It is inspiring to hear their stories and to know that we make a meaningful difference in their lives." 

H3329 Blog_HormonalHealth Approved 03052026
Updated February 20, 2026

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Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) play a critical role in providing care to older adults who require ongoing services and supports due to illness, disability, or aging-related issues. At CenterLight Healthcare PACE, where we coordinate complex care across our participants’ physical, social, and psychological needs, compliance is not just a regulatory requirement. Rather, it is a cornerstone of high-quality care.

Compliance is often misunderstood as a set of rules to follow or a checklist to complete. In practice, it functions as a structural support system—one that protects participants, guides teams, and reinforces standards that make safe, compassionate care possible.

Safeguarding the Rights and Well‑Being of Participants

Compliance establishes safeguards to ensure that participants are receiving the services they need when and where they need it. We are entrusted with the care of older adults who are often medically fragile and socially vulnerable. It is our job to protect their rights, establish standards and strict protocols for providing timely and high-quality care, and ensure that the services they receive are aligned with their unique needs and provided with compassion and respect.

The role of Compliance includes review of policies, procedures, and thoroughly reviewing documentation of participant care, assessments, and care planning. This includes structured processes that help reduce gaps in care, make sure that services are provided based on medical necessity, and promote trust and a sense of responsibility among all members of the Interdisciplinary Team.

Strengthening Care Through Oversight, Data, and Insight

The Compliance team conducts regular audits of documentation. Reliable and timely data and reporting enable the team to identify trends and implement care plans using the big picture—which can only be seen with complete participant records. It facilitates communication and accurate care planning, thus benefiting the participants and the quality of care they receive.

Audits establish checks and balances within the organization. Regularly reviewing operational practices provides an objective way to identify risks, inconsistencies, and areas of improvement before they negatively affect participants. Compliance audits function as a proactive tool to strengthen internal controls, support ethical decision making, and help maintain integrity of care delivery systems.

Preventing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Financial integrity directly supports care continuity. With PACE programs being funded through Medicaid and Medicare, Compliance monitoring facilitates proper stewardship of resources by working with teams across the organization. We aim to ensure billing accuracy, provider documentation, clinical review, appropriate provision of services, and more.

Compliance also helps shape provider network adequacy and credentialing processes. In coordination with the Provider Relations Department, the Compliance team ensures that the organization is maintaining a network capable of delivering high-quality, coordinated services. With thousands of providers in the network, an effective compliance program helps uphold ethical standards and minimize fraud, waste, and abuse.

Building a Culture of Compliance

Regulations alone do not create quality, culture does. At CenterLight Healthcare PACE, we work together to foster clear policies and accessible procedures, ongoing staff training, transparent data reporting, strict non-retaliation and open-door reporting of issues, and cross-department collaboration. Our organizational values include integrity, creativity, diversity, caring, accountability, approachability, and availability—and we strive to apply these values in everything we do.

When everyone in the organization understands that compliance’s goal is to advocate for participants’ wellbeing and support them in their work, they are more likely to engage meaningfully with regulatory requirements. A culture of compliance, then, can become a way of life instead of regular audits and occasional corrective actions.

Looking Ahead: Adapting Compliance for the Future of Care

As care models like PACE expand, the health industry continues to evolve, and regulatory scrutiny increases, compliance programs must remain adaptable. Technology, data analytics, and predictive risk modeling are becoming essential tools in identifying potential compliance and quality issues before they escalate.

Beyond focusing on leveraging technological advances, real-time data monitoring, integration of compliance with quality programs and care delivery, and strengthening oversight, the future of compliance and the impact it has in quality of care still depends on people. At CenterLight Healthcare PACE, we believe that an effective compliance program depends on staff integrity, buy-in, and a deep understanding of how doing things the right way affects not only organizational goals but more importantly, participant well-being.

The objective is for compliance to serve not merely as oversight, but as a strategic driver of excellence and high-quality care to those who need it most.

Every regulation, requirement, documentation standard, and audit process ultimately exists to ensure that participants receive safe, effective, and person-centered care.

About the Author

This blog post is written by Alicia Nelson-Jones, Chief Compliance Officer at CenterLight Health System.

In her own words:

“Compliance isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about doing the right thing and protecting the dignity, comfort, and trust of the people we serve. High-quality care means showing up each day with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to treat every one with compassion and respect.”

H3329 NoPOInfo ComplianceAndHighQualityCare
Updated February 13, 2026

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In healthcare, every interaction can change someone’s day, or even their life. Compassionate care starts long before a health professional meets a patient—or a participant, in the case of CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), where caring is one of our organizational values.

For more than four decades, CenterLight’s mission has always been to provide high quality care that helps older adults continue to live in their own homes. Our participants rely on us not only for medical care, but for all the services they need to thrive and age in place. Often, we become an extension of their family—a privilege and an honor that our team doesn’t take for granted.

Compassion Comes from Within

Beyond clinical expertise and professional experience, empathy, patience, and genuine compassion are essential qualities in healthcare professionals.

Skills can be learned and protocols can be mastered, but compassion comes from within. The instinct to listen, to treat every person as an individual, and to notice what is not being said does not come from degrees. Rather, it shows up in small but powerful moments, like taking extra time to explain a diagnosis, offering reassurance during a difficult time, or recognizing when a participant simply needs to feel seen and be heard.

That’s why we strive to look not just at resumes. We listen for stories that reveal kindness under pressure. We look for individuals who speak about teamwork, respect, and purpose. Our goal is to uncover how someone responds when a situation is challenging, emotional, or uncertain, because that’s when compassion matters most.

We believe that when people are driven to improve someone’s quality of life, they bring the full strength of their expertise to the work.

Building a Culture of Caring

When compassionate people work together, it creates an environment where empathy is the norm, not the exception. In the PACE model, where a full care team made up of various disciplines provides services to participants, it is especially important for staff to support one another, communicate more openly, and share a deep sense of responsibility.

This organizational culture is especially evident when you hear about the experiences of those we serve. Just walk into one of CenterLight’s PACE centers and witness their interactions with staff. Speak with participants and you will hear how CenterLight saved their lives. In one instance, for example, the son of one of our participants even wrote a song dedicated to and in appreciation of the nurse who takes care of his mother.

The Heart of PACE

PACE is about more than healthcare. It’s about helping older adults live safely and independently in their communities for as long as possible while honoring their life experiences, preferences, cultural traditions, and unique needs. This requires more than expertise. It requires heart.

A person’s experience and credentials are vital to providing high quality care and positive healthcare outcomes. But what’s even more important is how they use their profession to make a difference in the lives of others.

Click here to learn about careers at CenterLight.

About the Author

This blog post is written by David Silva, Chief Administrative Officer at CenterLight Health System. David has been working at CenterLight for more than 10 years and oversees Human Resources, Marketing, Information Technology, and Parkchester Enhancement Program (PEP) for Seniors, a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in Bronx, New York.

In his own words:

"At CenterLight, I believe our strength is our teamwork. We work together to provide high quality care, and each of us is committed to meeting our participants’ needs with respect, dedication, and compassion."

H3329 HiringforHeart_NoPOInfo
Updated February 10, 2026

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Online scams are a growing concern, especially for older adults and their families. This is an issue that has been widely reported in the news, as older adults continue to be tricked by fake emails, phone calls and text messages.

In today’s digital world, scammers are finding new and sophisticated ways to deceive people every day. Those who are unaware of the risks may face serious consequences, including the loss of money, trust and confidence. In some cases, their life savings are at stake.

While people can fall victim to scams at any age, older adults are often targeted and may be less likely to report incidents. According to the Federal Trade Commission, total reported fraud losses for those over 60 amounted to $2.4 billion. New tools and technology, like AI voice impersonation, have made it harder to tell what is real and what is not.

While enforcement efforts are growing, many cases are difficult to prove or prosecute due to the international nature of these schemes.

Protecting yourself through awareness and prevention remains the most effective way to combat this growing issue. When older adults, families, and caregivers work together, it becomes easier to spot warning signs.

Follow These Tips to Stay Safe

• Never share personal information like Social Security numbers, bank details and passwords.
• Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Hang up immediately if a caller pressures you or asks for money.

Text Message Scams

• Ignore suspicious texts; don’t reply.
• Don’t click links — they may lead to fake websites.
• Example: 'Your bank account is locked. Click here to verify: [fake link]'

Email Scams

• Check the sender’s email carefully to make sure it is a real address.
• Look for red flags: poor grammar, urgent language.
• Example: 'URGENT: Account Suspended. Click here to verify.'

Phone Call Scams

• Don’t trust caller ID — numbers and contact names can be faked.
• Never pay with gift cards or wire transfers.
• Example: 'This is the IRS. Pay now or you’ll be arrested.'

Extra Protection

• Enable call blocking on your phone.
• Use antivirus software for email protection.
• Hang up and verify.
• Sign up for the Do Not Call Registry: donotcall.gov

Fuentes:

• Addressing Scams Affecting Older Adults | consumer.ftc.gov
• BBC Scam Alert: Top Tricks Used to Scam Older Adults | bbb.org
• SCAM Alert | allaboutseniors.org
• Phishing Scams Explained | ncoa.org
• A Guide to Online Safety | allseniors.org
• 6 Smart Tips to Help Seniors Avoid Scams | pcmag.com
• Federal Trade Commission | justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-releases-2025-annual-report-congress-efforts-combat-elder-fraud-and-abuse

About the Author

This blog post is written by Randolph Repollet , Senior Director, Information Systems and Technology at CenterLight Health System.

In his own words:

"IT services are the foundation to quality care. Every clinical decision, care coordination effort and participant interaction depends on secure, reliable and timely access to data. I am proud of our team for keeping our systems working seamlessly so our care teams can focus on our participants"

H3329 Blog_Online services
Updated February 10, 2026

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At CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), our goal is to enrich our participants’ lives and provide all the care they need to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

A Focus on the Whole Person

The PACE model centers on holistic care, recognizing health as more than medical treatment alone. It addresses the physical, emotional, social, and psychological needs of older adults while coordinating services under one roof and eliminating fragmented care. The focus is on the whole person, not just symptoms or diagnoses. For our participants, this integrated approach is especially important, as multiple chronic conditions, mobility challenges, and social isolation often overlap.

A Team-Based Approach

Each CenterLight PACE participant is supported by an interdisciplinary team that includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians, and therapeutic recreation specialists.

The care team works together to share insights, adjust care plans as needed, and ensure that participants receive the care they need when they need it. It is important to note that not only do they meet regularly as a team, they also meet with those we serve and/or their caregivers for regular assessments and to ensure that they are an active participant in their own care.

• This approach ensures that medical, emotional, and social factors are considered together, not in isolation.
• Coordination of services under one program provides a complete picture of the participant’s health.
• This enables effective preventive care, reduces duplication of services, prevents negative medication interactions, and minimizes unnecessary hospitalizations.

Addressing Physical Health

CenterLight Healthcare PACE has locations across New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. At our PACE Centers, participants have access to:

• Medical and nursing care on-site
• Physical and occupational therapies
• Open gym
• Exercise programs and wellness activities that support mobility, strength, and balance

Holistic care extends beyond the walls of our PACE centers.

• Depending on their needs, participants may receive home care services.
• Caregivers are also supported through education, respite services, and guidance.
• Participants have access to a large network of community primary care providers and specialists.
• They receive necessary medications, vision and hearing services, and anything else that they need.*
• Participants do not have to worry about transportation to and from medical appointments and the PACE centers, as this is provided as part of their care.

Focusing on Mental Health, Social Connection, and Community

Holistic care recognizes that an individual’s mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants receive social work services, which may include counseling and referrals to behavioral health. The goal is to address conditions such as depression, anxiety, and memory concerns early to help improve participants’ overall quality of life and functional independence.

Social isolation can have serious health consequences for older adults. CenterLight PACE participants have access to our Day Health Center, which provides opportunities for social interaction through group activities, recreational programs designed according to their cultural traditions and personal preferences, and peer engagement. These connections foster a sense of belonging and purpose, which can be just as important as medical care.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Support

CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants who attend our PACE centers are provided with meals tailored to dietary needs. For all our participants, our dietitians provide nutrition counseling to support chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Upon enrollment, CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants receive a My Needs Card with a monthly amount that can be used to purchase basic needs such as food, groceries, toiletries, over the counter items, and utilities.

Care as Unique as Our Participants

Holistic care demonstrates what’s possible when healthcare is designed according to the person’s unique needs. Instead of reacting to illness and aging, CenterLight PACE proactively supports wellness, independence, and meaningful living.

*As determined by the Interdisciplinary Team.

**Any unused monthly “My Needs Card” benefit amount expires and does not roll over to the next month. However, earned wellness rewards can be used until the end of the year. The My Needs Card does not substitute for required or already provided Medicaid and/or Medi­care covered services under PACE.

***Rewards can be earned by completing eligible actions such as vac­cinations, preventative screenings, advance directives, and more. See the My Needs Card catalog for details.

About the Author

This blog post is written by Tara Buonocore-Rut, President and Chief Executive Officer at CenterLight Health System.

In her own words:

"My passion for leading healthcare organizations to provide high quality services to those who need them springs from my personal experience with eldercare. I believe in providing care that you’d want your own loved ones to receive. To be able to do this, it is imperative to see things from the perspective of compassion, caring, and kindness. With more than two decades of leadership experience in this industry, I truly believe that PACE is one of the nation’s best-kept health care secrets."

H3329 Blog_HolisticCare Approved 02062026
Updated February 2, 2026

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It was a beautiful morning, and CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Seneca Day Health Center participants were excited for their trip to the aquarium.  It was an opportunity to observe stunning marine creatures in the museum’s breathtaking exhibits.

Meanwhile, participants from our Flushing PACE site are still talking about their day at the Botanical Garden—where they enjoyed perfect weather, fresh air, and colorful scenery. Seneca participants, on the other hand, are looking forward to the next time they reconnect with their inner child and bond with their Flushing peers at Dave and Buster’s; and our Bronx participants are excited for the next time they go on a trip to City Island.

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These are just examples of trips CenterLight Healthcare PACE participants enjoy. In addition to more than 100 activities on site each month, we also take them on field trips throughout the year. Whether at the PACE center learning new things, or at fun and educational locations chosen based on their interests, every day is a chance for adventure!

Why are field trips part of CenterLight PACE’s Therapeutic Recreation programming?

Field trips provide a variety of benefits for older adults, including:

• Opportunities for socialization. When older adults interact and share new experiences with their peers, their risk for social isolation is reduced. Field trips provide opportunities to interact with others, helping improve their wellbeing. In addition, having something to look forward to, like going to a museum with friends, helps promote mental and emotional wellness.

• New experiences and participating in activities one enjoys can stimulate cognitive function. Whether going to a place they have never been before, learning new things, or discussing new ideas, field trips are a fun way to keep one’s mind sharp.

• Most field trips can encourage physical activity. For example, walking around a museum of their choice or playing a game provide opportunities for exercise and help with mobility. Taking a stroll at the Botanical Garden, for example, not only encourages movement—it is also a chance to enjoy fresh air.

Diverse Interests, New Possibilities

The CenterLight PACE Therapeutic Recreation (TR) team understands that each participant is unique. TR specialists design activities that consider the diverse cultural backgrounds and varied preferences of those we serve. Field trips aim to bring participants together, offer a chance for adventure, provide shared experiences that they will enjoy, and even introduce them to something new, opening them up to interests they didn’t have before.

Visit our Facebook page to view photos from trips and other events/programs for our participants.

Esta entrada del blog está escrita por Kathleen KeeganDirectora de Servicios Recreativos Terapéuticos de CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329 FieldTripBlog Approved 05272025
Updated 04162025

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El Programa de atención integral para personas mayores (PACE) de CenterLight Healthcare proporciona la atención y los servicios que necesitan nuestros participantes para ayudarles a seguir viviendo de forma segura e independiente en sus propios hogares. Atendemos a más de 6.300 personas cada día, y más allá de la atención médica y de enfermería, las terapias física y ocupacional, la nutrición, el trabajo social y los servicios de recreación terapéutica, nuestro equipo tiene como objetivo mejorar la calidad de vida de aquellos a quienes atendemos. Fieles a nuestra misión, nuestro objetivo es marcar la diferencia en la vida de nuestros participantes.

Algunas de las actividades favoritas de nuestros participantes son nuestros programas de "Autocuidado", que les permiten relajarse y disfrutar de servicios como manicuras, masajes y cortes de pelo a cargo de personas certificadas. Nuestras sedes de Flushing, Wallerstein (Bronx), Westchester y Stillwell cuentan incluso con un espacio dedicado a salón de belleza/barbería, mientras que el resto de las sedes traen a expertos en cuidados de belleza como parte de sus eventos especiales*.

Puede que este tipo de programas no sean las actividades habituales que le vienen a la mente cuando piensa en asistencia sanitaria. Pero en CenterLight PACE, creemos que proporcionar una atención completa significa que ofrecemos no sólo los servicios que nuestros participantes necesitan para su salud física, sino también aquellos que pueden ayudarles a sentirse bien mental y emocionalmente. En esencia, nuestro objetivo es nutrir el cuerpo y el alma de nuestros participantes.

Para los participantes de CenterLight PACE, uno de los beneficios de los programas de autocuidado es la conveniencia de no tener que ir a un salón de belleza o a una barbería. En los días en que los programas de autocuidado están en el horario de nuestros centros PACE, nuestros participantes pueden disfrutar de estos servicios mientras están en el lugar participando en otras actividades de TR, viendo a su enfermera, hablando con su trabajador social y dietista, o usando el gimnasio abierto. Aunque para algunos adultos mayores puede ser difícil viajar de un lugar a otro, a los participantes de CenterLight PACE se les proporciona transporte de ida y vuelta a nuestros centros.

A medida que envejecemos, podemos temer perder nuestra independencia o estar demasiado centrados en otras necesidades que el autocuidado pasa a un segundo plano en la lista de prioridades. Es asombroso cómo un simple corte de pelo o una manicura pueden ayudar a alguien a sentirse más seguro de sí mismo y con más control y, lo que es más importante, a fomentar un sano sentido de sí mismo que puede contribuir al bienestar mental. De hecho, un estudio publicado en la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina concluyó que los cuidados de belleza son eficaces para mantener y mejorar la salud autoevaluada y el estado de depresión de los adultos mayores que viven en la comunidad**.

Nuestro compromiso con la atención holística y con ofrecer este tipo de experiencias sencillas pero significativas a nuestros participantes nace de la creencia de que la salud y las capacidades de una persona pueden disminuir con la edad, pero su personalidad y su esencia permanecen. Nos encanta llegar a conocer a nuestros participantes como personas únicas, respetando sus necesidades y preferencias individuales. Se convierten en familia, y siempre es increíble ver a tu familia sentirse bien consigo misma. He visto personalmente cómo estas cosas sencillas pueden hacer que los participantes se sientan conectados con su yo más joven, y nuestro equipo tiene el privilegio de ser una pequeña parte de esos momentos.

*Los participantes deben consultar el calendario de actividades de TR o preguntar a su equipo asistencial cuándo hay programados programas de autocuidado/cuidado de la belleza en su centro.

**Fuente: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27250219/

Esta entrada del blog está escrita por Kathleen KeeganDirectora de Servicios Recreativos Terapéuticos de CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

H3329 SelfCareBlog Aprobado 02202025
Actualizado 12302024

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Cada día, los participantes del Programa de Atención Integral para Personas Mayores (PACE) de CenterLight Healthcare reciben atención y servicios de un equipo de profesionales llamado Equipo Interdisciplinario (IDT). Hablamos con Phyllis Russell, Dietista Registrada de CenterLight PACE, sobre el papel de los Dietistas en el IDT.

¿Cuál es el papel de un dietista dentro del Equipo Interdisciplinar (IDT)?

Los dietistas de CenterLight PACE trabajan con nuestros participantes, sus cuidadores y otros miembros del IDT para crear un plan de comidas individualizado de acuerdo a las condiciones de salud y preferencias alimenticias de los participantes .

Como dietista diplomada de CenterLight, realizo visitas a domicilio en las que puedo ayudar a los participantes a controlar la diabetes, la hipertensión, el colesterol o su peso, asegurándome de que reciben la formación necesaria para seguir una dieta sana.

También doy clases emocionantes una vez al mes. Hablamos de la importancia de la nutrición, hacemos batidos, hablamos de las novedades que afectan a su salud.

¿Cómo trabaja el dietista con el resto del IDT?

La dietista trabaja muy estrechamente con todos los miembros del equipo. Por ejemplo, cuando hago observaciones de las comidas, puedo ver si los participantes necesitan algún tipo de ayuda para alimentarse y, si es así, puedo acudir al terapeuta ocupacional para que pida equipos de adaptación.

También trabajo con los trabajadores sociales. Cuando hago mis visitas a domicilio, si alguna vez observo que los participantes tienen problemas quizás con las finanzas, o no tienen comida o cualquier otra cosa que pueda surgir, puedo acudir a los trabajadores sociales, que entonces pueden ayudarles a solicitar cupones de alimentos o a encontrar otra solución.

También trabajo con las enfermeras y los médicos que se ocupan del estado clínico de los participantes en la gestión de su diabetes y su hipertensión.

El equipo siempre se reúne para que podamos hablar de todo lo que ocurre con nuestros participantes.

¿Puede hablarnos de la observación de las comidas?

Hago observación de comidas en nuestro centro una vez a la semana. Es decir, vengo durante la hora de la comida y tomo nota de cómo comen los participantes, qué comen, qué no comen y si alguien tiene dificultades para masticar y tragar. A través de este programa también puedo ver si tienen dificultades para alimentarse. Y a veces me siento y ayudo a dar de comer a los participantes.

Más allá de su función de ayudar a los participantes a conseguir una nutrición adecuada, ¿cuál es su objetivo como dietista?

Si noto que algo no les gusta, por ejemplo, puedo volver a nuestro proveedor e informarle de si tal vez no les gustó el pollo ese día o no les gusta cómo estaba cocinado, no les gusta el sabor. Todo gira siempre en torno a nuestros participantes y a asegurarnos de que estén contentos y les guste lo que reciben.  

¿Cuál es la ventaja de contar con un dietista en el equipo?

A través del IDT, nuestros participantes tienen acceso a todas y cada una de las disciplinas que necesitan para mantenerse bien en la comunidad.

No mucha gente tiene acceso a un dietista. Tal vez puedas ir a la clínica, puedes ver a un médico, puedes encontrarte con una enfermera, pero ¿dónde está el dietista? Pero aquí en CenterLight, como tenemos este enfoque interdisciplinario, soy parte del equipo.

¿Qué le inspira su trabajo?

Mi trabajo se inspira sobre todo en ayudar a la población que tenemos aquí a disfrutar de sus años ahora mismo. Me motiva simplemente interactuar con nuestros participantes, verles disfrutar de la comida, hablar con ellos. Nuestros participantes son muy divertidos. Aprendo mucho de ellos tanto como intento educarles.

Phyllis Russell, MSN, RDN, es dietista registrada en CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

Esta entrada de blog se publicó originalmente en 2020 y se volvió a publicar en 2025.
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Última actualización: 5 de marzo de 2020