The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) option that provides healthcare services to older adults who qualify for nursing home care but wish to remain in the community.
In PACE, interdisciplinary teams consisting of primary care physicians, nutritionists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals meet with participants and their families to assess the services needed to provide customized care that allows participants to age-in-place, such as primary care, medical specialty services, home care, physical therapy, adult day care, dentistry, social services, meals, transportation, and more.
However, one common hesitation among people considering PACE is that they need to leave their current physicians – PACE participants must receive all of their health services from the interdisciplinary care team at their local Florida PACE Center. If you or a loved one meets the eligibility requirements for PACE, how can you be sure that you’ll be satisfied with the program?
PACE’s Reputation
Ninety-eight percent of family caregivers would recommend Florida PACE Centers to others. Ninety-three percent of participants give Florida PACE Centers high satisfaction ratings.
From a national standpoint, research has shown that PACE programs reduce hospitalization, emergency room visits and nursing home stays. Participants live longer than similar patients in less comprehensive programs. A study by the federal Department of Health and Human Services noted that the PACE model of care “stands out from our analysis as a consistently ‘high performer.’”
Many healthcare professionals praise PACE. “[PACE] has proven to provide a better quality of life and outcomes for seniors requiring perpetual care, and it has tremendous potential to relieve some of the burdens our healthcare system will face with today’s aging population,” says Pamela Jung, president of Cross Country Workforce Solutions Group, a division of Cross Country Healthcare.
“Every geriatrician loves this model,” says Dr. Mark Lachs, co-chief of geriatrics and palliative medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.
And that’s just scratching the surface. Many of the findings below regarding nationwide satisfaction with the PACE model of care were compiled in a paper published in the Journal of Aging and Social Policy:
- PACE enrollees report higher satisfaction with the care they receive compared to those who are eligible but not enrolled
- Family members and PACE participants rank quality of care high, including with respect to feelings of safety and security, being treated with respect, and control over decision making
- PACE participants also report improved quality of life as reflected in increased social interaction, less depression, and fewer worries after enrollment
More Information
According to a recent survey, about 70% of older adults say their preference for care as they age is to remain at home with support. Unfortunately, about 80% of respondents have not heard of PACE. If you or a loved one is interested in alternatives to nursing home care, we urge you to download our brochure (English / Español) or visit our website for more information about PACE.
