A unique program is underway in Tahlequah to help seniors get care while maintaining independence.

Cherokee Elder Care is initially sponsored by the Cherokee Nation but open to any person who qualifies. Program Director Ben Stevens said they will become self sustaining once their program is completely up and running in several months.

The facility has already formed partnerships with local health care providers such as Tahlequah City Hospital and the Northeastern State University College of Optometry.

Dr. George Foster, dean of the optometry college, said Cherokee Elder Care will be important for many seniors and their families.

“This will maintain care for people on Medicare and Medicaid and prevent them from having to go into nursing homes,” he said. “Its services will include medical, dental, eye care, spiritual, activities and fellowship.”

When fully operational, Cherokee Elder Care will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but it is not an adult day care. Those who participate in the program agree to let the CEC team of health care providers take care of all their needs.

The team includes physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, therapists, social service workers, dietitians and transportation specialists.

Foster said CEC is part of an association that goes under the acronym PACE; Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.

“This is a demonstration project being watched by the federal and state government as a cost-effective way to keep more people out of the nursing home,” he said. “The government is looking at demographics that show an increasing number of people over age 85, and looking for ways we can take care of them.”

Although there are 42 PACE centers in 22 states, this is the first one in Oklahoma. Foster said it is also the first one allied with a Native American tribe. He added that the problems faced by seniors and their caregivers in this area are much the same for the rest of the United States.

“This program in northeastern Oklahoma is a microcosm for the entire nation,” he said.

Located on West Fourth Street in Tahlequah, CEC officially opened Thursday. Stevens said it won’t be able to accept participants for several months. Meanwhile, a staff of more than a dozen people is finalizing arrangements with the federal government.

Stevens said that because participants still have their own homes, they will only be at CEC as much as needed.

“Those who participate may come in once a month, once a week, or several days a week,” he said.

CEC will be able to enroll a maximum of 175 people, although probably no more than 75 to 80 will be in the building at the same time.