Parker Health Group and Visiting Nurse Association Health Group have partnered to launch the Parker Advanced Care Institute at VNAHG Inc., or PACI, according to a Thursday announcement.
Over the last three years, Parker has awarded a series of grants to help fund the growth and expansion of VNAHG’s Advanced Care Institute.
After working closely together and evaluating the positive impact of the ACI’s services, Parker and VNA Health Group have decided to partner together to further expand its programs and serve more seniors in their homes. Under this partnership, both organizations will share equal membership and leadership of the newly formed Parker Advanced Care Institute at VNAHG Inc.
In-home holistic care is a critical service for homebound seniors and can significantly lower overall medical costs by reducing the need for expensive hospitalizations.
“We are incredibly honored to be working with Parker on the new Parker Advanced Care Institute at VNAHG. This partnership is exciting because it’s bringing additional resources to our homebound older adults and making sure that they have the care they need to remain in the community, and be comfortable and independent,” said Dr. Steven Landers, CEO and president of VNA Health Group.
The partnership between Parker and VNAHG will allow both organizations to share a vested interest in the growth and expansion of in-home primary care services. This partnership will allow PACI to continue to develop and support new or improved programming in these critical areas, and to expand these services to more individuals throughout the state.
PACI, a nonprofit entity, will continue to provide in-home primary medical care through an operating agreement with Visiting Physician Services as well as with palliative clinicians working within VNA Health Group of NJ LLC. PACI’s holistic service model includes care coordination, specialty services and support, advanced care planning, in-home palliative care and medical advocacy.
“This is the perfect partnership with an amazing organization to enhance our mission and our vision of providing an exceptional level of compassionate care for more seniors at home,” said Roberto Muñiz, CEO and president of Parker Health Group. “It’s an ideal opportunity for Parker to help expand VNA’s remarkably innovative programs that can make a tremendous difference in how people are cared for in New Jersey, and potentially throughout the country.”
ACI’s physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants provide care to over 6,000 patients and provide nearly 40,000 in-home visits per year. Over the next few years, PACI expects to significantly expand its reach to serve more seniors in the community.
“Two mission-driven organizations — each with more than 100 years of experience caring for our aging population — are joining forces to bring groundbreaking and transformative programs to more seniors in the community, in the comfort of their own homes. It’s truly an exciting collaboration,” said Marguerite Schlag, chair of the board of trustees for Parker Health Group.
