Watching someone age, weaken and become dependent is never an easy task. Worrying about their safety and well-being from day to day can become very stressful. The ever present dangers from a trip and fall; a missed medication or the spiraling results from poor nutrition can be life altering. Many caregivers are trying to manage their own busy schedules at home, work and with their family, all while caring for their elderly loved ones. With so many needs placed on the modern caregiver, identifying support services and resources can mean the difference between successful aging and eventual decline.
With advances in medical technology, people are living longer but also have greater care needs as they age. The traditional care models that were sufficient years ago are lacking in the provision of care across the continuum, leaving many frail elderly in need of support services, care and assistance in order to age successfully. This need was identified in 1971 in San Francisco with the creation of On Lok, a program that provided care and support services to the frail elderly. This model of care met previously unmet needs and was successful in supporting healthy aging.
With the success of this program, others started to replicate the model and found similar positive results. In 1991, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) funded an evaluation of the Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and by 1997 established PACE as a permanent provider under Medicare. PACE programs fill in the gaps that existed meeting care needs, providing support services and reducing the need for nursing home placement amongst the elderly.
In order to be eligible for participation in a PACE program, a person must be 55 years old or older and require nursing home care but be able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment. The PACE center is a hub for medical care, rehabilitation, socialization and dining. Services offered by PACE include access to doctors, dental and nursing service, as well as adult daycare, home and personal services. If needed, PACE centers offer hospital and nursing home care as well. Transportation to the center and offsite medical appointments is provided.
Each participant is cared for by a team of healthcare professionals that include doctors, therapists, social workers and other care team members. Each participant is discussed on a regular basis by the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to identify care needs and potential issues that could arise therefore avoiding complications and negative outcomes for the participant. Through several weekly visits to the center, care team professionals are able to interact with the participants, gaining firsthand knowledge of their health and overall condition.
PACE programs are funded by Medicare and Medicaid without the typical limitations that are normally imposed on these programs. Participants are allowed to leave the program at any time, for any reason and will receive assistance in returning to either Medicare or Medicaid. PACE programs demonstrate proven positive outcomes for a great number of participants, and in many cases, improves the quality of life and general well-being of its participants.
To learn more about the PACE program, click here.