PACE Program (Psychological Alternative Counseling for the Elderly)
St. Joseph Hospital Community Counseling offers coordinated services for seniors (65 and older) within Orange County who seek positive alternatives to challenges such as:

• Feelings of depression or anxiety
• Loneliness and isolation
• Grief and loss
• Chronic illness
• Sensory or memory loss
• Major life changes, such as retirement, relocation or change in health
• Family concerns

These problems, although not unique to the older adult, are often more difficult to deal with at this stage in the life cycle. Talking things over can really make a difference, and a counselor can help you sort out your needs, delineate goals, and map out steps to take in making healthy changes.  PACE services include:

Assessment services by a professional counselor in your home. The fee is $60 for the one-hour session, scheduled at your convenience.  Sliding scale fees are available. Some areas may be subject to a waiting list.

Resource referral and follow up as individually appropriate.  Additional community resources may assist with issues such as transportation, family therapy, support groups, and social and creative outlets.  This service is available throughout the 12 weeks of the PACE program.

Volunteer counselor visits. The fee covers 11 additional visits with an assigned volunteer.  All visits are scheduled in the home, and the focus is on client’s designated goals.  Volunteers are trained by a professional and receive ongoing group supervision to ensure proper follow-up and to maximize therapeutic benefits.

Becoming a PACE Volunteer

Are you seeking an exciting and unique volunteer opportunity? 
The PACE (Psychological Alternative Counseling for the Elderly) program offers an opportunity for adults to be peer counselors in their own community. PACE volunteers receive ten hours of training on aging, communication, and the special problems of older adults.  As a volunteer peer counselor you will listen and help others to make a positive adjustment to life changes, such a loss of a loved one, changes in health status, retirement or relocation. 

Training sessions are scheduled year-round according to demand, requiring a two-hour commitment for five weeks.  For graduates who wish to become PACE volunteers, there is a minimum commitment of three months and regular attendance at supervision meetings twice monthly.

WHERE: St. Joseph Hospital Community Counseling, Sister Elizabeth Building, 2nd Floor
WHEN: Dates and times to be announced
COST:  $50 for five sessions. Scholarships are available.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, please call Mary at (714) 771-8248.