What if your mom or dad could stay at home and still get all the care they need?
Caring for an aging parent or grandparent isn’t easy. You want the best for them, but finding good help can feel like a full-time job. Good news – there’s a program called PACE that many Florida families haven’t heard about yet. It helps seniors stay in their own homes while getting the care they need.
Let’s talk about how PACE works right here in Northeast Florida, who can get it, and how it might be just what your family is looking for.
What is a PACE Program?
PACE stands for “Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.” It’s a healthcare program for seniors who could go to a nursing home but would rather stay at home.
Think of PACE as a one-stop shop for healthcare. It brings together doctors, nurses, therapists, and other helpers who create a care plan just for your loved one.
Most PACE members go to a day center where they:
- See doctors
- Get therapy
- Eat meals with others
- Join in fun activities
Then, at home, they might get more help, like:
- Home health aides
- Help with medications
- Safety upgrades like grab bars or ramps
The best part? It’s all coordinated by one team who knows your loved one and what they need. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services describes PACE as “a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health care needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home.”
What Does PACE Cover?
PACE offers comprehensive coverage. Here are the services your loved one may receive:
- Doctor visits and care
- Physical, occupational, and recreational therapy sessions
- Eye, ear, foot, and dental care
- All needed medications
- Time at a day center with others
- Home care helpers
- Rides to appointments
- Preventive care to stay healthy
- Breaks for family caregivers
- Help with bathing, dressing, and other personal care
- Social worker support
- Hospital and nursing home care when needed
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Meals and nutrition advice
With PACE, you don’t have to run around to different places or deal with lots of bills. One program handles it all.
Who Can Join PACE in Florida?
To join PACE in Florida, your loved one needs to:
- Be 55 or older
- Live in an area where PACE is available
- Be able to live safely at home with PACE’s help
- Need the level of care that nursing homes provide
How do you know if they qualify?
A doctor will check them out and decide if they need enough help to qualify. The good news is that many seniors who think they might need a nursing home can actually stay home with PACE’s help.
How Much Does PACE Cost?
The answer depends on what benefits your loved one already has:
- If they have Medicaid: $0. Medicaid may cover everything.
- If they have both Medicaid and Medicare: $0. These two programs together typically cover all costs.
- If they only have Medicare: They’ll pay a monthly fee for PACE services.
- If they don’t have Medicare or Medicaid: They can pay privately.
Many families are surprised to learn that PACE might cost less than what they’re already paying for home care, medications, doctor visits, and other services.
For many seniors, PACE can be more affordable than the alternatives while providing more comprehensive care. This makes it an important option to consider as part of your asset protection planning strategy.
How PACE Fits Into Your Long-Term Care Plan
PACE sits right in the middle between living completely on your own and moving to a nursing home. It’s one option to consider when planning for your loved one’s care.
Of course, PACE isn’t the only choice out there. Depending on what your loved one needs, what they can afford, and what they prefer, other options might work better:
- Home health aides coming to the house
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing homes
- Family members providing care with some outside help
The key is making a plan that looks at all these choices while also thinking about legal and money matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About PACE
How is PACE different from a nursing home?
With PACE, your loved one stays in their own home. They visit a day center for care but go home at night. In a nursing home, they’d live there full-time. PACE is for people who need nursing home-level care but can safely stay home with help.
Can my mom or dad quit PACE if they don’t like it?
Yes! PACE is 100% voluntary. Your loved one can leave the program anytime. Just make sure you have another care plan ready before they quit.
What if my loved one gets sicker while in PACE?
The PACE team keeps a close eye on everyone in the program. If your loved one needs more help, they’ll adjust the care plan. If they need a hospital or nursing home stay, PACE arranges and pays for that too.
Can I still help care for my loved one if they join PACE?
Absolutely! PACE loves having families involved. You’re still an important part of your loved one’s care team. They’ll even offer support and tips to help you as a caregiver.
Taking the Next Step with PACE and Care Planning
PACE offers a wonderful option for many seniors in Northeast Florida who need extra care but want to stay in their own homes. But every family’s situation is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
If you’re thinking about PACE or looking at other care options, talking to an elder law attorney can help. We can explain all your choices, help protect your loved one’s savings, and make sure they get the care they need while using all the benefits they qualify for.
Our team at Berg Bryant Elder Law Group can walk you through your options and help you make a plan that fits your family’s needs. Give us a call to tell us about your situation, and we’ll help you find the right path forward.
Author Bio
Kellen Bryant, Esq.
Founder
Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Kellen Bryant focuses his law practice on advising and helping caregivers with a particular focus on asset protection and preservation from long-term care costs, creditors, and predators. Kellen Bryant is AV Preeminent® Rated, meaning his attorney peers rated him at the highest level of professional excellence. Kellen Bryant was nominated and selected as a Super Lawyer, Rising Star: 2022.
