New Innovative Senior Healthcare Center Breaks Ground in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - A groundbreaking is scheduled to take place Thursday afternoon for a new innovative healthcare facility for seniors that is described as a first-of-its-kind for the Central Coast.
The new facility is called Central Coast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and is being developed by Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc. (CHC).
The local nonprofit organization operates a myriad of healthcare services, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care throughout Northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Central Coast PACE will occupy a portion of the large building located adjacent to the CHC corporate headquarters at the corner of Blosser Road and Betteravia Road in Santa Maria.
The well-known 30,000 square foot building is connected to the Santa Maria Police Department and was the previous home for Lockheed Martin for many years earlier, as well as UPS, and most recently, Rabobank.
In a release, CHC described Central Coast PACE has a facility designed for individuals aged 55 and older who qualify for nursing home-level care but prefer to remain at home. Clients will receive fully integrated, interdisciplinary care including primary and specialty medical services, dental and optometry care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, behavioral health services, and more. CHC added all services are coordinated through a dedicated care team and tailored to each participant’s individual needs.
"CHC has long been committed to caring for our communities across every stage of life,” said
Ron Castle, CHC Chief Executive Officer. "Bringing a PACE program to the Central Coast is a natural extension of our mission and strengthens our ability to provide coordinated, whole-person care for seniors who deserve to age with dignity, respect, and support."
CHC expects Central Coast PACE to accommodate up to 400 clients and said the site is ideal since it is positioned in an area where there is a clear and growing need for expanded senior healthcare services.
Groundbreaking for the project is set to take place at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.
CHC is projecting construction will take about a year to complete with the grand opening planned for sometime in 2027.
