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Sherry’s PACE story from Elizabethtown

For older adults and families in Elizabethtown, Hardin County, and nearby communities, Sherry Skillman’s story may feel deeply familiar: one unexpected health crisis can change everything. After knee replacement surgery, Sherry hoped to regain her strength and return to the life she knew. Instead, she kept falling, grew weaker, and eventually lost the use of her left side. When her sister urged her to go to the hospital, Sherry listened—a decision she now looks back on with overwhelming gratitude: “Thank God I listened. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t.” 

The diagnosis was unexpected. 

Doctors discovered a serious problem in her neck that required emergency surgery. The operation likely saved her life, but it also marked the beginning of a long, uncertain recovery. As frightening as that time was, one thing never changed: Sherry wanted to be at home, surrounded by the comfort, memories, and sense of independence that mattered most to her. 

That’s when Care Guide Partners PACE in Elizabethtown, Kentucky became part of her story. PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, helped surround Sherry with the care, therapy, transportation, and encouragement she needed—while helping her continue living in the home she loves.

PACE Therapy and Support Helped Sherry Get Stronger

When Sherry began therapy, she needed a walker and faced a recovery that could have felt overwhelming. But at the PACE center, she was not facing it alone. She had a team cheering her on as she worked to rebuild her strength—riding a stationary bike, practicing walking, climbing steps, using weights, and continuing her exercises at home. Some days were tiring, but Sherry kept showing up because she wanted to get stronger and stay independent. 

Little by little, her hard work paid off. 

Today, Sherry uses a cane instead of a walker and can take steps on her own at home. She has not had another fall since her surgery. Every step carries meaning—not just because it shows physical progress, but because it represents courage, determination, and the support that helped her believe recovery was possible. 

Aging in Place with PACE in Elizabethtown and Surrounding Kentucky Communities 

For Sherry, progress is about more than walking. It is about waking up each day in the place she knows best, surrounded by the familiar spaces, routines, and memories that make a house feel like home. 

Before joining Care Guide Partners PACE, Sherry worried she might have to move into assisted living. Living alone in the Elizabethtown area and no longer able to drive, she wondered how she would manage appointments, therapy, transportation, and the everyday needs that can become harder after a major health event. 

PACE transportation helped ease that worry. Care Guide Partners PACE provides rides to and from the PACE center and medical appointments, giving Sherry one less barrier to care and one more way to keep moving forward with confidence. 

PACE Services Offer More Than Healthcare

For many older adults and caregivers exploring senior care options in Elizabethtown and the surrounding Kentucky communities, PACE offers something families are often searching for: care that supports the whole person. For Sherry, that has meant not only medical support, but also friendship, laughter, and a renewed sense of connection. 

She enjoys spending time at the center, participating in activities, and especially playing bingo. Those simple moments matter. They give her a place to go, people to talk with, and something to look forward to each week. For Sherry, the warmth of the staff and the friendships she has found have made PACE feel welcoming from the start. 

The relationships she has built with other participants and staff have become an important part of her healing. When someone is recovering from a serious illness or surgery, encouragement can make all the difference. At PACE, Sherry feels surrounded by people who know her, support her, and truly care about helping her live well. 

Is Care Guide Partners PACE Right for You?

Looking back, Sherry is thankful she said yes to PACE. What began as a frightening health crisis became a story of healing, hope, and renewed independence. With the right support around her, Sherry found her footing again—physically, emotionally, and in the everyday life she wanted to keep. 

Her advice to other older adults and families considering PACE in Kentucky is simple: give it a chance. For anyone worried about losing independence, becoming isolated, or managing care alone, Sherry’s experience offers a powerful reminder that the right support can help make home possible. 

See PACE for Yourself 

Care Guide Partners PACE is here for adults 55+ who need extra support to stay safe and independent. 

Schedule a tour of our Elizabethtown PACE Center today.
Call 800-264-0521
Request a tour online