As most of you know, I am committed to helping elders live at home for as long as possible. My last two articles have focused on MassHealth programs that help elders accomplish this goal. You can find these articles here. Now I’d like to discuss another option: PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).
PACE provides eligible Massachusetts residents with a wide range of coordinated services, everything from medical care to social and emotional support. Services offered by PACE can include:
- Primary Care
- Home Care
- Dentistry
- Emergency and Hospital Care
- Nutritional Counseling
- Meals
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Lab/X-Ray Services
- Transportation
- Prescription Drugs
- Behavioral Health and Counseling
- Day Center, Respite, and Therapeutic Recreation
- Acute Medical Care Specialist
- And More
To be eligible for PACE, one must:
- Be 55 years of age or older
- Require a nursing-home level of care
- Be able to live safely at home or in the community with help from PACE
- Live in the service area of a PACE organization (you can find the PACE map here)
Here on the South Shore, we have two day centers: one in Mattapan by the Baker Chocolate Factory, and the other in Brockton on Torrey Street.
While PACE does have income and asset limits, proper planning can help you meet these limits or minimize the amount of private pay required to obtain PACE services.
As always, I’m here to answer your questions and help you every and any way I can.
Until next time, take care…
Alexis