Samira K. Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope HealthCare Services, recently was elected to the board of directors for the National PACE Association. PACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that provides a long-term, community-based alternative to nursing home care.

Since 2009, Beckwith has served as a member of the National PACE Association’s public policy and education committees. In 2010, she became founding president of the Florida PACE Association.

“Serving on the National PACE board is important for our community,” said Beckwith. “PACE is breaking new ground every day, and the industry’s top professionals are leading the way. Our collaboration at the national level enhances the care we provide at Hope.”

PACE is a unique program designed to meet the needs of seniors while helping to provide support for families and caregivers. PACE provides comprehensive, coordinated health care services, dental services, therapies, transportation and meals.

“As the state of Florida strives to provide access to quality health care for our aging population,” said Beckwith, “PACE enables even the frail elderly to live independently while receiving individual support and professional health care services. It’s a relief for caregivers as well as for family members who know their loved ones are receiving quality, loving care.”

Beckwith serves in multiple leadership positions sharing her expertise gained from more than three decades in hospice and health care. Beckwith is a frequent participant in national and state health policy forums and has previously served as state delegate to the White House Conference on Aging and is the founding president of the Florida PACE Association.