What Services Are Included in All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly?
Learn more about the PACE program and how it can benefit you or your loved ones
One of the biggest risks to older adults, especially those with limited income, is social isolation. Many people lose social connections as they age, leaving them isolated from their community. This isolation can have serious health consequences, including a higher risk of dementia and premature death. Despite this fact, however, most people still don’t consider social isolation a health matter. Fortunately, this attitude is starting to change, as evidenced by the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which addresses all services needed to improve an eligible individual’s health–from social isolation to doctor’s appointments and beyond.
Valir Health is a PACE provider in Oklahoma. We offer various services to help our most at-risk populations thrive, including an adult day center, hot meals, transportation, medical care, and more. We aim to help older people remain engaged with their community for as long as possible.
As the American population elderly population increases, the future of healthcare will look more and more like PACE. To learn how this comprehensive program can benefit you or an elderly loved one, call us today!
Who is Eligible for Valir Health PACE?
The PACE program is designed for older adults who require high levels of medical care but lack the financial resources to receive all the treatment needed. Most people in the PACE program qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, which cover all program costs.
To enroll in PACE, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be 55 years or older
- Require nursing home levels of care
- Live in Oklahoma
- Demonstrate financial need as determined by the state
While PACE applicants are always eligible for nursing home care, as defined by the guidelines, only 7% of participants actually live in a nursing home. In fact, the goal of PACE overall is to allow you to continue to live comfortably at home and within your community while receiving care to meet all of your medical, social, and mental needs.
What Services are Included in PACE?
PACE is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program. Think of a nursing home: these centers ideally provide medical care, regular meals, entertainment, and opportunities for socializing. PACE provides all of these services, except that you continue living at home and remain a part of your wider community.
Here are some of the services that Valir Health PACE provides:
Medical Care
Medical care is a significant part of our all-inclusive services. Through the program, you’ll receive care for all your medical needs, including day-to-day services, specialist care, and dentistry. We’ll help you manage chronic health conditions, but our doctors and nurses are also available 24/7 in case of a medical emergency.
You’ll also have access to the following services:
- Physical, occupational, speech, and other therapies as needed
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
- Nutritional counseling
- Emergency, urgent, and hospital care
Social Care
While medical care is a major part of PACE, it’s not the only aspect of the program! Our senior health and wellness center provides plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends, enjoy a hot meal, or work out in our gym. Enjoy a round of bingo, join one of our many participant clubs, or even just relax!
We also regularly coordinate field trips to areas of interest in Oklahoma, allowing you to get out and about in the community. All field trip transportation is on us, too!
Home Care
In some cases, you may need additional care in your home. Our care team can come to your house for any home-based care you might need, including assisting with household responsibilities you might not be able to manage on your own. We can also evaluate your home and offer suggestions for modifications to make it easier to navigate, such as installing handrails.
While we offer hot meals and snacks at our senior care center, we can also give you tips and strategies for meal planning and weekly meal prep. We can also help those participants with issues that might lead to food insecurity (such as difficulties chewing and eating or trouble getting to a grocery store) receive any necessary assistance. Either way, you’ll have access to healthy, delicious food whenever you need it!
Find Out if PACE is Right For You!
If you or one of your loved ones is an older adult with several chronic health conditions, PACE is an excellent program that provides all the care you need without sacrificing your independence. Call Valir Health for more information about the program and how to enroll. We’ll be happy to help!
Sources:
- https://oklahoma.gov/ohca/individuals/programs-of-all-inclusive-care-for-the-elderly-pace.html
- https://www.cms.gov/Medicare-Medicaid-Coordination/Medicare-and-Medicaid-Coordination/Medicare-Medicaid-Coordination-Office/PACE/PACE
- https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html