IN THE COMMUNITY

Planting a Seed

Through PACE—a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly—Hope Healthcare provides the community’s seniors with the tools they need to stay healthy, live independently and remain in the place they call home. Hope’s team develops customized, comprehensive plans that include medical and therapeutic care, medications and essential transportation.

“Hope PACE is innovative and unique from other healthcare programs,” says Samira K. Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope Healthcare. “We offer a more personal way of ensuring our community’s seniors receive the comfort and care they deserve. It’s an emotional lifeline.”

To complement this care, Hope’s recreational specialists also coordinate an array of social activities at state-ofthe-art PACE centers to stave off feelings of isolation or loneliness. Activities address body, mind and spirit—from gentle exercise to keep bodies in motion, to trivia and word games to keep minds active. The arts are also integrated through crafts and coloring, along with a variety of performances by visiting community musicians.

This summer, Hope’s team of recreational therapists will introduce a new gardening activity at the Naples center, as members learn to grow an assortment of cactus, plumeria and plumbago, along with vegetables and herbs.

Gardeners will use their skills and expertise in a way that makes them feel valued, bolsters their self-esteem and encourages pride. After watching the plants thrive, the fruits of their labor will taste especially sweet.

The philosophy behind all PACE activities is to help participants cultivate their interests and continue their favorite hobbies with the group. Hope’s team encourages them to participate and enjoy life at their own pace. Over the next few months, the new gardening activity will grow to include Hope’s PACE Centers in Lee and Charlotte counties

“Engagement and interaction are extremely important for everyone,” says Beckwith. “Being part of PACE provides extra-special opportunities for connection.”

Visit HopeHCS.org for more information about Hope’s programs, including Hope PACE, Hope Hospice, Hope Parkinson Program and Hope Kids Care. To learn more about charitable giving, call 239-482-4673.