Club member Ben Weber described the work of Blue Ridge Independence at Home, which opened its doors in October of 2024. Blue Ridge Independence at Home is a PACE center or Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. The first PACE Center opened in 1973 in San Francisco and there are currently 180 PACE organizations in the U.S.

Ben said the goal of the organization is to keep seniors in their own homes as long as they would like to stay and can remain in their homes safely by being proactive with their care. Blue Ridge Independence at Home serves adults 55+ who are in need. The center helps reduce ER visits, provides transportation, and offers medical facilities and a day center featuring social, meals, and OT and PT services. The Center is funded through Medicare and Medicaid. The organization’s all-inclusive services help save the City, County, and State thousands of dollars for each participant.

Ben said that Blue Ridge Independence at Home is the third non-profit PACE Center in Virginia, serving a geographic area of 2,000 square miles and 76 different zip codes. As the need for their services continues to grow, there are plans to open centers in Leesburg and Woodstock. To learn more, those interested can visit www.BRIH.org or call Ben at 703-