Ascension Via Christi plans to build a new 32,000 square-foot facility near Central and McLean Boulevard in Wichita that will serve seniors with long-term care needs, eventually replacing the Ascension Living HOPE facility that’s nearby at the West River Plaza.

The new facility will be known as the PACE center, named for Ascension’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a model of care that provides medical and support services for seniors with chronic care needs who wish to remain at home.

The building will go up on six lots totaling about 3 acres on the west side of Edwards Avenue between Murdock and Elm, across the street from the Ascension Living Via Christi Village.

It’s unclear when work will begin and when Ascension will leave West River Plaza.

A company spokesperson says the company is working with an architect to finalize design plans and develop a construction timeline. The general contractor on the project will be The Law Co., and LK Architecture is the architect.

When it’s finished, the PACE center will provide a range of services, including adult day health care, transportation, rehabilitation, social services, activities and recreation and other specialty services tailored for each patient’s needs.

To qualify for PACE, a person must be at least 55 years old. A care team assesses each person to determine if they are eligible in meeting the state’s certification for “nursing home level of care” criteria and if they can live safely in their home with PACE support and services.

The modern facility is being designed with today’s seniors in mind, the spokesperson said, featuring more natural light, a larger rehabilitation center, added therapy programming, outdoor courtyard, pharmacy and more support for participants needing memory support.

Original Article

Wichita Business Journal
By Shelby Kellerman