This week, Radio Boston focuses on End of Life care and its impact on patients and their families here in Massachusetts.

Today I traveled to a PACE facility (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in Dorchester, an elder care community center funded by Medicare and Medicaid.   I interviewed three seniors and at one point ventured outside into the main room.  Two staffpeople turned on a CD player and blasted some salsa by Celia Cruz.  One older lady with a robust frame and silver-white hair stammered to get out of her chair.  Staff cheered her on, clapping and screaming her name.  She gently lifted her head in recognition and fumbled to untie a scarf from her neck.   She waved her scarf to the crowd of wheelchairs and walkers; some clapped for her while others stared off into the distance.  One gentleman in a wheelchair shook his hips, shaking his cane in rhythm.

It was an incredible moment.   The mix of wheelchairs and Celia Cruz was definitely a first for me.  I’ve never seen such communal vibrancy in a group of older people. 

Beyond its unique character, this center is a lifeline for many, providing doctor’s care, physical and occupational therapy, social workers, prescriptions, and therapists amongst other services.  This is a home away from home for many elderly, some of whom have no next of kin.

What role do these centers play in the lives of the elderly?  We address this issue and many others this Friday on Radio Boston.  Tune in.