Updated May 22, 2026
When seniors face challenges with daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility, they often begin exploring long-term care options. While nursing homes can be an excellent solution for those who need a higher level of care, nearly 94% of older adults say they prefer to age in place.
Placement in long-term care settings can be delayed or avoided with the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE is a holistic healthcare program that provides customized care and social engagement for older adults who qualify for a nursing home level of care and are able to live safely at home with the right support.
How PACE Helps Delay Nursing Home Placement
Eligible PACE participants continue living in their home and are taken to and from their adult day health center, as well as to and from their medical appointments, for healthcare, supportive services, socialization, and meals at no cost.
Through PACE, a care team works together to address each participant’s physical, emotional, and social needs. The team develops a personalized care plan, monitors changes in health, and helps coordinate services so older adults and their families are not left to manage complex care needs alone.
While PACE is not a replacement for nursing home care when 24/7 supervision is needed, it can help delay or avoid nursing home placement for eligible seniors who can live safely in the community. For many families, it provides a practical middle ground: comprehensive care and support without requiring their loved one to leave the comfort of home.
What Services are Available Through PACE?
The PACE team works with seniors and their families to develop a personal care plan and coordinate a variety of services that enable independent living, such as:
- Adult day care with therapeutic and recreational services
- Personalized healthcare from physicians, specialists, and nurses
- Meals and nutritional counseling
- Medication management, including the ordering and delivering of prescriptions
- Medically necessary in-home services, including installation of safety or medical equipment
- Transportation to and from PACE facilities
- Physical, speech, and occupational therapy to improve daily functionality and independent living
Watch this video to learn about how PACE works, what services are included, who is eligible for the program, and how much it costs.
Benefits of Enrolling in PACE
- 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).
- Overall Wellness: Research shows that PACE participants retain a higher quality of life compared to those in less comprehensive programs. Studies also suggest that PACE participants may be more likely to live longer, while experiencing reduced rates of hospitalization and institutionalization.
- Meaningful Engagement: PACE reduces loneliness and depression in older adults by providing a variety of social activities and support.
- Cost-Effective Care: PACE programs are cost-effective for both participants and the healthcare system.
- Caregiver Support: PACE can also benefit family caregivers. After enrollment in PACE, surveys have shown that 58% of caregivers reported a reduced level of burden – and 95% of family caregivers said they would recommend PACE to someone in a similar situation.
What Does PACE Cost?
PACE is covered by Medicaid and Medicare for eligible individuals. It is also available on a private pay basis.
- If you have Medicaid only, or are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may receive care through PACE at no cost.
- If you are eligible only for Medicare, you pay a monthly premium (which is often significantly less than the monthly cost of a nursing home).
- If you do not have either Medicaid or Medicare, you can pay for your PACE benefits from your own financial resources.
Who is Eligible for PACE?
You may enroll in PACE if you meet the following requirements:
- You are 55 years or older.
- You meet the nursing home level of care requirements set by the Department of Elder Affairs.
- You are able to live safely in the community with the support of PACE services.
- You live within the service area of your local PACE provider
For most South Florida residents, the local PACE provider is Florida PACE Centers. Since opening the very first Florida PACE Centers’ site in 2003, we have built a reputation as the most experienced provider of PACE services in South Florida and are the only PACE provider in the state with a background exclusively specialized in geriatric health and elder care.
At Florida PACE Centers, older adults and their families do not have to worry about moving to a nursing home or managing their health care on their own. They can focus on living independently in the home and community they love for as long as possible. To learn more about services, eligibility, or the enrollment process, visit Florida PACE Centers or call 786.933.7223 (TTY 800.955.8771).
