The goal for most seniors and their families is to stay in their home as long as possible, to age in place, perhaps with some assistance as illness or frailty affects his or her ability to independently handle the activities of daily life.
But if the time comes that full-time long-term care or at-home care is needed, there are options in how that nursing care is provided. One option is called PACE, an abbreviation for Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. This program offers coordinated care, usually in a community setting such as a nursing home or adult day care setting. To enroll in PACE, seniors must be at least 55 years old and certified by the state as needing the level of care only provided in a nursing home. Those eligible for Medicare, Medicaid or both can enroll.
PACE uses the Medicare or Medicaid funds to cover care and services; the applicant’s financial situation is also taken into account. Medicaid recipients do not pay a monthly premium. Medicare recipients may pay a monthly premium for the additional coverage for long-term care and prescription medications. There are no deductible or co-pays in the PACE program.
In New Mexico, a PACE program is available in Albuquerque through InnovAge. For seniors who enroll in the program, PACE becomes the sole provider of services including a primary care physician, hospital care (including laboratory and x-ray services), emergency services, physical and occupational therapy, nursing home and home care, prescription drugs, dental, meals and nutritional counseling, social services and transportation. Individuals can withdraw from the program at any time.
Learn more about the PACE program at the Medicare website here. To learn more about New Mexico’s program, visit their website.
At FootPrints Home Care, our goal is to help seniors stay in their own home as long as safely possible, and to be a resource for assistance during the aging process. If we can help answer questions or make life easier, please give us a call.
