Navigating Care: Unlocking the Benefits of California's PACE Program for Aging Loved Ones

Hello, I’m Njeri Njuhigu, the founder of The CareBox Network and a former caregiver who is now a passionate caregiver advocate and grief educator. As a caregiver, one of the biggest concerns is ensuring your loved one gets the care they need without losing their independence.

This weekend, I had the honor of participating in the Day of Remembrance event with www.Kyaliciathomasfoundation.org and was fortunate enough to converse with Pasadena's Councilmember, Tyron Hampton (https://www.cityofpasadena.net/district1/bio/). During our discussion, he highlighted the PACE program and shared several initiatives California is implementing to effectively address the evolving needs and demands of our aging community and caregivers.

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a solution worth exploring. PACE is designed to help seniors remain in their communities while receiving comprehensive care tailored to meet their specific needs. By offering services that range from medical care to daily assistance, PACE can be a lifeline for those struggling to balance their loved one’s independence with the growing need for support.

So, who can benefit from PACE? Anyone 55 years or older who qualifies for nursing home-level care but is still able to live safely in their community may be eligible. PACE operates through a detailed assessment by an interdisciplinary team, who carefully review each participant’s health, safety, and personal care needs to ensure that PACE is the right fit. The goal is to create a customized plan that allows seniors to thrive in their home environment, with access to all the care they would otherwise receive in a facility.

One of the great benefits of PACE is that it covers all necessary prescription and non-prescription medications. For caregivers, this removes the burden of managing medications and the stress of wondering if insurance will cover them. The interdisciplinary team takes charge of ensuring that all medications are included in the care plan, eliminating guesswork.

Even if your loved one doesn’t qualify for Medicaid, they may still be able to enroll in PACE. Medicaid covers part of the monthly premium for those who meet the income and asset limits, while Medicare pays for the rest. For individuals who don’t qualify for Medicaid, they can still participate but will need to cover the portion Medicaid would typically pay. The PACE staff can help you understand your loved one’s eligibility and assist in navigating the application process.

As caregivers, we are constantly searching for programs that not only provide the care our loved ones deserve but also give us peace of mind. PACE offers a compassionate, comprehensive approach that balances independence with the essential care seniors need to live comfortably at home. It's a program worth considering for anyone facing the challenges of caregiving.

What are your thoughts or experiences with programs like PACE? I’d love to hear your stories.

LEARN MORE @ https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/PACE.aspx

If you are in Pasadena, California -- PACE is a part of Welbe and they have a free download with information specific to how it works in Pasadena... Learn more here... https://welbehealth.com/