National PACE Association

Mindfulness training may help caregivers of veterans with dementia deal with stress, according to a new Virginia Tech study. “The real future of this work is pairing psychological tools with structural relief,” said lead author Tina Savla, PhD. “Expanded respite benefits, caregiver leave policies, Medicare-covered caregiver training, and comprehensive models like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly [PACE] that integrate medical, social and long-term care into a single, personalized plan for families.”

Study explores how anxiety turns into deeper stress for dementia caregivers A study identified a cognitive bridge that may explain how anxiety develops into psychological distress in caregivers of veterans living with dementia, pointing to mindfulness as one potential element in helping interrupt the process.

"Integrating medical treatment with supportive services not only benefits patients but has the potential to help reduce health care costs, a big priority when the nation faces a $2 trillion annual budget deficit," writes Forbes senior contributor Howard Gleckman. "When programs such as PACE combine well-coordinated care with people’s ability to age at home, everybody wins."

How Fully Integrating Medical And Long-Term Care Benefits Older Adults Seniors in PACE, which fully integrates medical care with personal care and other services were less likely to visit emergency departments, be hospitalized, or even die.