International Community Health Services (ICHS) proudly announces the opening of the Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, November 10th at 2 p.m. at 939 Golf Drive South on Seattle’s Beacon Hill. Part of SCIDpda’s Beacon Pacific Village, the 25,000 square foot Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center is designed to keep older adults, who might otherwise need assisted living services, in their own homes through Medicare’s innovative Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

The Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center expands ICHS’ ability to serve older adults four-fold from 100 to up to 400 PACE participants. The Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center is funded through public-private partnerships that include donations from the community, King County, City of Seattle, and State of Washington.

“Our population is aging and many need care,” says Retired ICHS Foundation Executive Director Ron Chew. “PACE, offered inside the Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center, offers a three-way win for older adults and the people who love them. First, PACE participants get the care they need while they remain in their homes. Next, their families have peace of mind because they know the elders are being cared for and able to socialize with friends. Finally, our community is richer because healthy elders can share their wisdom and life lessons with the next generation.”

At the Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center, PACE participants gain access to wrap around care. Each participant receives a personalized care plan that can include: 

• Primary medical care with geriatric considerations

• Pharmacy services and medication administration

• Behavioral health counseling and group therapies

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies

• Support with daily tasks and personal hygiene

• Nutrition services and communal meals

• Preventative programs for cognitive and physical health

“Science tells us the keys to healthy aging are remaining socially engaged, using preventative strategies to stay healthy, getting to our health care visits and staying current with medications,” says ICHS CEO Kelli Nomura. “At the Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center PACE participants get these critical needs met so they can continue to live healthy and dignified lives in their own homes. This care model is empowering and it is an affordable and accessible option for seniors.”

According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, about 30% of Washington’s population will be over age 60 in the year 2050; up about 25 percent from today. ICHS is building senior care infrastructure to serve the area’s aging population today and in the future.

Large-scale health care projects take time to develop. ICHS began its plan for the Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center over 10 years ago. To date, ICHS has raised $20 million of the $25 million total cost to build and furnish the center. ICHS’ fundraising to pay for the Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center continues.