A New Type of Care for Seniors Opens in Compton

A new center aimed at enhancing local healthcare infrastructure has opened its doors in Compton, California. Habitat Health, in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, has unveiled the South Los Angeles PACE Center, catering to adults aged 55 and above. This initiative brings together a wide range of medical, social, and home care services under one roof, allowing seniors to age in dignity within their communities.

Comprehensive Care Under One Roof

The South LA center is designed to be a one-stop hub for primary and urgent medical care. Here, participants can access primary care clinics, transportation solutions, home support services, meals, medication, social activities, and more—all coordinated efficiently. This holistic approach not only enhances the quality of healthcare provided but also ensures continuity of care, which is essential for elderly patients.

Participants of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California will enjoy access to top-tier specialized and hospital care across a network of recognized medical centers including those in Downey, Los Angeles, South Bay, and West Los Angeles. With the center's launch, patients can now receive coordinated specialized care close to home, while their daily health needs are managed by the staff at the South LA Habitat Health Center.

These services are typically available at no cost to participants eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, utilizing the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model. This unique program assists seniors in maintaining their independence and quality of life in their homes.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities

For many adults living in South Los Angeles who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or hypertension, access to regular and preventive medical care has historically been lacking. Alarmingly, rates of hospitalizations for diabetes in this area are 2.5 times higher than in West Los Angeles, highlighting a significant gap in necessary healthcare services.

Moreover, many residents face linguistic barriers, as a majority speak a primary language other than English. This challenge complicates access to culturally appropriate care, a focus that Habitat Health is dedicated to improving.

Dr. Bechara Choucair, Chief Health Officer of Kaiser Permanente and a board member of Habitat Health, remarked, "Establishing this center in Compton is about expanding care options for seniors, integrating support beyond the clinical environment. Our collaboration paves the way for a more comprehensive care delivery model that empowers adults aged 55 and above in South Los Angeles to manage chronic conditions more effectively and remain in their beloved communities."

Proven Impact on Community Health

The PACE model is recognized for its positive impact on health outcomes among older adults, including reduced hospitalizations, improved mental health, enhanced quality of life for both seniors and their caregivers, and decreased health disparities across racial and economic lines.

Habitat Health's alliance with Kaiser Permanente is set to roll out this evidence-based, community-centric model at a larger scale, offering consistent and reliable care to residents across more than 60 local zip codes—from Long Beach and Watts to Inglewood and Lynwood.

Matthew Bennett, CEO of Habitat Health, stated, "The opening of our center in Compton addresses a significant problem of access to care for older adults throughout South Los Angeles. Our mission is straightforward: to make healthcare more accessible and personalized, enabling seniors to remain independent and actively engaged in the communities they call home."

About Habitat Health

Habitat Health is dedicated to empowering older adults to live independently by providing comprehensive medical coverage, services, and social support in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente. The program redefines living at home, fostering positive daily experiences and a profound sense of community for participants and their caregivers. The new center is located at 1005 East Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA.

For more information, visit www.habitathealth.com.