Bernardita: “I am very grateful and would recommend this program, thank you On Lok PACE !”
On Lok PACE provides care for the health and well-being of seniors in the Bay Area. During the pandemic, On Lok PACE has continued to offer its full-service health care program to seniors in the home and is now vaccinating participants against COVID-19. This has been helpful for seniors like On Lok PACE participant, Bernardita Camacho.
Bernardita Camacho Tobon has been a participant of On Lok PACE for the past 3 years. She says she was very happy to receive her COVID-19 vaccine at the On Lok PACE center, after not being there for almost a year. “Before COVID-19 I would come to the On Lok PACE center to talk with others and learn. I made scarves and participated in different activities,” says Bernardita. “With COVID-19, I am not able to go out, but On Lok PACE brings their services to me. I feel very grateful and lucky, especially with On Lok PACE offering the COVID-19 vaccine. I would recommend this program to anyone…thank you On Lok PACE!”
Doctor Elana Shpall, the lead primary care physician at On Lok PACE, says the care offered by the program is fully integrated, and that they are pleased to make the vaccine available to participants. “Right now, the people who need to be protected the most are our seniors, so we are very happy to have received the COVID-19 vaccines.”
On Lok PACE has made it easy for participants to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Five participants come to the On Lok PACE center every hour, which ensures proper social distancing to meet the appropriate guidelines, and participants are monitored after. “There is a lot of information about the vaccine that is wrong. The truth is, these vaccines are very safe,” says Dr. Shpall. “You may experience a little pain, but with proper rest, you will feel better. Our participants are receiving the vaccine well.”
On Lok PACE provides a full-service health care program that provides a wide range of services including medical, social, transportation, and home care services. It is a Medicare and Medi-Cal recognized program for older adults over age 55. If a member of the community needs help with an older family member, they should contact On Lok PACE by calling their Spanish-language phone line: 1-866-565-7223.
This story was aired on Celina Rodriguez’s Radio Program, titled Buenas Tardes Con Celina, KZSF 1370 AM La Kaliente.
