In September, we celebrate National PACE Month, honoring the essential role of PACE in seniors’ lives. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a program covered by Medicare and Medicaid that provides coordinated healthcare services to eligible seniors who wish to age in place within their own community rather than in a nursing home. It is estimated that as much as 80% of seniors have not heard of PACE. Since opening the very first Florida PACE Centers’ site in 2003, Miami Jewish Health has built a reputation as the most experienced provider of PACE services in South Florida and is the only PACE provider with a background exclusively specialized in geriatric health and elder care.
This year’s theme, “Your Health. Your Journey. Our Support.” emphasizes the personalized, holistic approach that PACE offers to older adults ensuring that they have the support they need to age gracefully at home.
How PACE Supports Seniors’ Health Journeys
PACE participants retain a much higher quality of life than similar patients in less comprehensive programs. To help accomplish this, PACE focuses on:
- Community-Based Care: Seniors can age in the comfort of their community, maintaining connections with friends and neighbors. Many PACE participants prefer this model of care, as supported by the program’s low disenrollment rates (participants may disenroll at any time).
- Holistic Approach to Health: With PACE, an interdisciplinary care team works together to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of each individual participant. Each participant’s care plan is tailored to their unique health needs and preferences. As a result, PACE participants are more likely to live longer, and their rates of hospitalization and institutionalization are reduced.
- Meaningful Engagement: Through social activities and support, PACE enhances the quality of life for seniors, reducing loneliness and depression.
- Cost-Effective Care: PACE programs are cost-effective for both participants and the healthcare system.
- Caregiver Support: Family caregivers benefit as well. After enrollment in PACE, measures of caregiver burden decreased significantly, with 58% reporting lower caregiver burden after PACE enrollment. The percentage of caregivers experiencing a high burden level decreased from 48% to 17%. Ninety-five percent of family caregivers would recommend PACE to someone in a similar situation.
Celebrating National PACE Month
National PACE Month is an opportunity to recognize the successes of PACE and advocate for continued improvements in senior care.
Learn how Florida PACE Centers can help you or a loved one live independently while receiving expert care. Visit Florida PACE Centers for more information about services, participant eligibility, and the enrollment process. We also now offer PACE services in north Broward County.
