PACE Program: In-Home Care for Seniors

[rosarugosa]

Is anyone familiar with this program? I need to delve into it more, but it seems like possibly a good interim measure between living at home independently, or with help from family, and nursing home care.

https://dailycaring.com/medicare-pays-for-in-home-care-under-the-pace-program/?utm_source=DailyCaring&utm_campaign=15cf9ba987-DC_Email_2021-10-26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_57c250b62e-15cf9ba987-123241309

[iris lilies]

Is anyone familiar with this program? I need to delve into it more, but it seems like possibly a good interim measure between living at home independently, or with help from family, and nursing home care.

https://dailycaring.com/medicare-pays-for-in-home-care-under-the-pace-program/?utm_source=DailyCaring&utm_campaign=15cf9ba987-DC_Email_2021-10-26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_57c250b62e-15cf9ba987-123241309

I know nothing about this program, but I will bet Teacher Terri knows some basics about it.

Speaking of this, I’ve often wondered about the government program that pays family members to care for disabled people. I wonder if Terri could talk about that? There is some sort of in-home care work where the worker qualifies for a salary.

[sweetana3]

I believe all these programs are state determined and probably regionally available. I think this link will help: https://www.npaonline.org/pace-you/pacefinder-find-pace-program-your-neighborhood

And here is a little more info on family members being paid (note again state determined program): https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2017/you-can-get-paid-as-a-family-caregiver.html

[Teacher Terry]

I actually know nothing about these programs.

[Yppej]

My second cousin participated in a program where she was paid to care for her autistic brother but she is in another state. She became a benefitted employee of some type of agency.

[rosarugosa]

I'm not looking to become a paid employee. I'm interested in the idea of Medicare providing paid employees to supplement our efforts in caring for Mom in her own home.

[sweetana3]

The PACE program was the only one I could find doing online research. The average premium for a Medicare recipient is $4,700 for the PACE program. So I guess it is like an inhome assisted living program. Very limited in areas covered and the program can vary greatly among areas. Best thing to do is research, perhaps with a social worker or specialist in your state, what might be available. I suspect very little for those on Medicare.

[dado potato]

A big-city friend with MS has been assigned a series of home health-care aides. One became pregnant, and according to my friend, had increased difficulty with lifts as the fetus grew. This aide was replaced with a new one, who was basically a beginner, and before she became fully proficient with procedures, the second aide quit. Now my friend is getting accustomed to a third aide.

I believe the consumer needs to be assertive with the provider to obtain a competent aide, and I understand there is a "labor shortage" making it more of a challenge for providers to recruit and retain competent people.

[beckyliz]

I'm going to be checking into it for my DH. I'm starting to look at applying for Medicaid and PACE would be an option for some in-home care. Our local program has day programs, too, I believe.

[iris lilies]

A big-city friend with MS has been assigned a series of home health-care aides. One became pregnant, and according to my friend, had increased difficulty with lifts as the fetus grew. This aide was replaced with a new one, who was basically a beginner, and before she became fully proficient with procedures, the second aide quit. Now my friend is getting accustomed to a third aide.

I believe the consumer needs to be assertive with the provider to obtain a competent aide, and I understand there is a "labor shortage" making it more of a challenge for providers to recruit and retain competent people.
You can be as assertive as you like, but let’s just say it is difficult to get employees into these situations so all of the advocating in the world may not help. It is not “labor shortage” it is in fact a real labor shortage. No need to put it in quotes.

It is not work I would do. I’ll clean someone’s toilets, clean their kitchens, do their yard work. I’d for sure do their gardening work! but I’m not taking care of the sick and the elderly. Especially when they’re cranky and don’t want you there anyway which is true about 30% of the time.

[rosarugosa]

I would imagine there is a big turnover with front line caregivers at nursing homes too. I agree with you IL; it isn't work I would want to do either, and I understand it's very poorly paid work as well.

[rosarugosa]

I'm going to be checking into it for my DH. I'm starting to look at applying for Medicaid and PACE would be an option for some in-home care. Our local program has day programs, too, I believe.

I hope they have something to offer your DH. I send you hugs across the miles. It must be so difficult, but you always seem so positive and upbeat. Your DH is fortunate to have you at his side.

[beckyliz]

I hope they have something to offer your DH. I send you hugs across the miles. It must be so difficult, but you always seem so positive and upbeat. Your DH is fortunate to have you at his side.

Had a quick call with them today - they basically take over all health care, including the primary care physician. They offer a social worker, OT, PT, supplies, RN, LPN, respite care, day program. Wonderful program. Private pay is $5000 a month (nope). Otherwise, it's Medicaid which will put a lien on my estate after my death (assuming I survive my DH). Just f'ing depressing.

[razz]

Beckyliz, all I can say is "Holy Smoke!".

[iris lilies]

That is interesting outcome beckyliz, thank you for reporting back.

[Teacher Terry]

That’s great news Becky. Not only would Medicaid put a lien on your house but if you were out for over 3 months perhaps rehabbing from a illness or injury they can sell your house for the money owed. Does this program have a cost to you?

[iris lilies]

That’s great news Becky. Not only would Medicaid put a lien on your house but if you were out for over 3 months perhaps rehabbing from a illness or injury they can sell your house for the money owed. Does this program have a cost to you?

Did not know inhabiting house must be continuous. I’m sure there are many Medicaid rules like that of which I am unaware.

[Teacher Terry]

IL, one person must be in the house and if both out one has to be back after 3 months.

[Yppej]

Do you have children or other heirs beckyliz?

[rosarugosa]

Beckyliz: If that is the case, wouldn't Medicaid also put a lien on your estate for nursing home care, but presumably a bigger lien since nursing home care is more expensive?
Thanks for sharing what you learned. I'm guessing the price tag is probably higher in a HCOL area like Boston, although I could be wrong. That sounds like a reasonable price compared to nursing home care, but still not a figure that most people are able to afford.

[beckyliz]

I did a bit of research. The patient or community spouse has to be in the home or expect to return there. Medicaid can make a claim against the surviving spouse's estate at the time of the SS's death for the cost of taking care of the spouse receiving benefits.

[Teacher Terry]

I would make a appointment with a elder care attorney. A friend of mine’s dad in Texas had a lot of money and was able to keep most of it by putting his wife on Medicaid. My friend then inherited. I was really surprised.