How PACE supports preventive health screenings for aging loved ones
As your parents or aging loved ones grow older, it’s natural to feel concerned about their health. Aging brings an increased risk of chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, dementia and cancer. Fortunately, CarePartners PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is designed to proactively manage these risks — and one of the most effective tools in their approach is routine health screenings.
Mission Health is home to CarePartners PACE, which provides coordinated care for seniors to help them remain safely at home. With a dedicated care team, PACE ensures that critical health screenings are not only recommended but also scheduled, performed and followed up on — all in one integrated system.
“When we onboard participants, our clinical team creates a plan of care. On initial assessment, we identify risk factors, known diagnoses and do a hands-on evaluation then make recommendations for treatment or screenings,” said CarePartners PACE Clinical Operations Manager Steph Tolley. “One of our greatest assets with PACE is you’re taking your primary care providers, and that’s not just your physician, it’s also your nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, people who know everything about you, and they are collaborating together but also working with specialists and creating and coordinating that plan for you and it really takes out the guesswork for the participant.”
Why preventive screenings matter at PACE
Health screenings are foundational to detecting problems early — when they’re most treatable. In the PACE model, these screenings are included in your loved one’s care plan and often provided on-site at the PACE center or in their home, eliminating barriers to access.
Here’s how PACE incorporates and supports key screenings that help participants maintain health and independence:
1. Regular physical exams and bloodwork
PACE participants receive regular wellness visits where physicians check overall health and order routine labs such as:
• Cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Kidney and liver function
This proactive monitoring helps manage chronic conditions before complications arise.
2. Blood pressure monitoring
High blood pressure is common in older adults and can lead to strokes or heart failure if untreated. PACE monitors blood pressure regularly, especially for participants with conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
3. Pulse oximetry
For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions or breathing difficulties, PACE uses pulse oximetry to monitor oxygen levels. This helps the care team adjust medications or oxygen therapy promptly.
4. Mammograms
PACE coordinates transportation and appointments, ensuring access without stress.
5. Cervical cancer screening
Though cervical cancer screening may not be needed after age 65 for women with a history of normal results, the PACE team will review each participant’s medical history to determine what’s appropriate.
6. Colonoscopy
For individuals aged 50 to 75 or older, depending on health status, colorectal cancer screening may be advised. PACE helps coordinate colonoscopies and alternative tests (like fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) or stool DNA tests), based on the participant’s preferences and risks.
7. Prostate cancer screening
Men enrolled in PACE between the ages of 55 and 69 can discuss prostate screening options with their care provider. Decisions are made collaboratively with respect to medical history, risk factors and personal values.
8. Bone density tests
PACE evaluates risk for osteoporosis and arranges bone density scans for women over 65 and for men at risk. The care team can also recommend fall prevention strategies and medications to support bone health.
9. Lung cancer screening
If a participant has a history of heavy smoking and meets the age criteria (50–80 years old), PACE providers may recommend low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer. They manage the referral process and explain the results clearly.
10. Skin cancer screening
For participants with suspicious skin changes or risk factors, PACE can refer them to dermatology or provide basic screenings on-site. The team tracks changes in skin health as part of ongoing assessments.
11. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
AAA screening may be recommended for men aged 65-75 who have smoked. The care team considers family history and other risk factors when determining if screening is appropriate.
How PACE makes screenings easier
One of the greatest benefits of PACE is how it removes the burden of managing multiple doctors and appointments. Your loved one’s care team:
• Schedules and tracks needed screenings
• Provides transportation if needed
• Coordinates follow-up care
• Explains results and next steps clearly
This level of support offers peace of mind, ensuring your loved one gets the right care at the right time — without unnecessary stress.
Want to learn more about PACE?
If you’re considerin CarePartners PACE for a loved one, call us at (828) 213-8442 to get more information or visit our center at 286 Overlook Road in Asheville, North Carolina. With its built-in focus on preventive care, PACE is more than a safety net — it’s a proactive partner in your loved one’s healthy aging journey.