Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive health care program designed to assist elderly individuals who are eligible for nursing home care but prefer to remain in their own homes. PACE provides a wide range of medical and social services to help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.

Overview

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that offers a full spectrum of health care services, including primary and specialty medical care, nursing, social services, therapies, and personal care. The program is designed to meet the individual needs of each participant, with a focus on preventive care and the coordination of services.

Eligibility

To be eligible for PACE, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be aged 55 or older
• Live in a PACE service area
• Be certified by the state as needing a nursing home level of care
• Be able to live safely in the community with the support of PACE services

Services Provided

PACE provides a comprehensive array of services, including but not limited to:

• Primary care and specialty medical care
• Nursing care
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
• Social services
• Nutritional counseling
• Transportation to PACE centers and medical appointments
• Home care and personal care services
• Prescription drugs
• Hospital and nursing home care when necessary

PACE Centers

PACE centers are the hub of the program, where participants receive most of their care and services. These centers are staffed by an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals who work together to develop and implement individualized care plans for each participant.

Benefits

The benefits of PACE include:

• Comprehensive care tailored to individual needs
• Enhanced coordination of services
• Focus on preventive care to maintain health and independence
• Support for caregivers
• Ability to remain in the community rather than moving to a nursing home

History

The PACE model of care originated in the early 1970s in San Francisco, California, as a community-based program to help elderly individuals avoid institutionalization. The success of the initial program led to the establishment of PACE as a national program under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Related Pages

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Nursing home
• Home care
• Primary care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Social services
• Transportation