Imagine this…
Your mom is struggling to manage her medications.
Your dad can’t safely drive anymore.
And you’re juggling work, kids, and nonstop doctor appointments — feeling like every week brings a new crisis.
What if there were one program that coordinated everything — medical care, adult day services, transportation, prescriptions, home support, and social engagement — all under one roof?
That’s exactly what PACE was designed to do.
🎧 In this episode of the Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast, Dale Corpus sits down with Nicole Torres, RN, Chief Operating Officer of On Lok — the organization that created the PACE model more than 50 years ago right here in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Nicole is a 20+ year veteran of On Lok and brings a rare perspective, having started her career as a home care nurse before moving into senior leadership. Today, she oversees day-to-day operations across all On Lok programs and plays a key role in shaping the future of community-based senior care.
In This Episode, We Cover:
What the PACE Program actually is — and who qualifies
How On Lok supports seniors aging safely at home
The difference between PACE and Medi-Cal’s CBAS program
How care coordination works across doctors, transportation, caregivers, and families
Why integrated care reduces hospitalizations and nursing home placement
The emotional relief families feel once their loved one joins PACE
How families — and senior care professionals — can explore or refer to On Lok
Nicole also shares real-world insight into how PACE supports sandwich-generation families, strengthens independence, and restores dignity for older adults who want to remain connected to their communities.
If you’re caring for an aging parent — or helping families navigate senior care in the Bay Area — this is an episode you’ll want to save and share.
Guest Bio
Nicole Torres, RN
Chief Operating Officer, On Lok
As On Lok’s Chief Operating Officer, Nicole Torres executes the goals and priorities of On Lok’s organizational strategy and oversees day-to-day operations across all On Lok programs and enterprise functions.
About On Lok
On Lok is a nonprofit organization and the original creator of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Founded in San Francisco, On Lok has been a national leader in integrated senior care for over five decades, helping older adults remain independent, healthy, and connected to their communities.
Contact & Social Links
🌐 Website: www.onlok.org
📞 Phone: 1-855-973-1110
🔗 Nicole Torres on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolecabuloytorres/
📱 On Lok Social Media:
Instagram: @onlokinc
Facebook: @OnLokPACE
LinkedIn: @On Lok
YouTube: @On Lok
📄Show notes: https://simplifyseniortransitions.com/feeling-the-sandwich-generation-squeeze
📞 Schedule a FREE consultation and learn more about my services: www.simplifyseniortransitions.com
📲 Have a quick question? DM me on Instagram: @soldbydale
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