GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is expanding in North Carolina. PACE provides care to those who are 55 and older, and a new facility will serve Forsyth, Surry and Stokes counties.

Socializing with others and exercising are important to Frances Oluwo. 

She’s been a part of the PACE program for two years and enjoys it. 

“They bring us here to keep us engaged in activities, stay mobile and eat healthy,” Oluwo said.

Oluwo joined PACE after moving to the Triad from Virginia. After undergoing surgery, her daughter wanted her closer. 

PACE offers an environment where older adults can socialize with others — something experts say leads to living longer. 

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine says social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of dementia and other serious health problems in older adults. 

PACE’S medical director, Dr. Tiffany Reed, says the new facility will provide those in rural North Carolina the care and socialization that’s necessary. 

“We have transportation services as part of PACE, we're able to pick them up and bring them to the center so they can come to appointments and receive therapy and their medical care on site,” Reed said. “So that would could make a big difference out there.”

Reed says working at PACE allows her to positively contribute to the older community.

“I like to see that I'm improving their quality of life and allowing them to live day to day in just a more rewarding way so they're not focused all the time on their medical problems, and they're able to enjoy the other parts of their life,” she said.

The new PACE facility in Winston-Salem will provide services such as medical and dental clinics, an interactive social center, home care and rehabilitation services for people 55 and older. 

The program accepts Medicaid and Medicare as well as other insurances, but also allows those without coverage to pay monthly.