Family Caregivers are Urged to Consider Senior Care Options During National Caregivers’ Month
November’s recognition of National Caregivers’ Month is a good opportunity for families suffering under the strain of providing care to an aging loved one to examine senior care options and alternatives. Too often families go through extraordinary lengths that leave them physically and emotionally exhausted to keep a loved one from having to leave home and enter a long term care institution. Family caregivers are often unaware that a successful model of elder care exists that is proven to improve the health and wellbeing of seniors while allowing them to live independently in their home. This model of care is called Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
Developed more than 30 years ago, the PACE model of care provides an innovative alternative to nursing homes paid for by Medicare and Medicaid. The common sense approach that the PACE team uses to provide medical care and coordinate support services helps keep people in their homes so they can be near friends and family. It is the hands-on approach and individualized patient attention that makes PACE unique from every other long term care option and so successful in helping seniors remain healthy and independent.
“As society gets older and 77 million Baby Boomers near retirement, it’s important that families know that there is a successful model of elder care that can improve seniors’ health while providing support and relief to family caregivers,” said Shawn Bloom, President and CEO of the National PACE Association. “Caring for an aging family member is challenging and sometimes frustrating, but Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly can provide the support families and their seniors need. During National Caregivers’ Month, I encourage caregivers to visit www.PACE4You.org to learn more about the benefits of the coordinated care and improved quality of life that a PACE program offers.”
The NPA’s Web site, www.PACE4You.org, helps caregivers understand and learn more about PACE programs by providing background on the PACE model of long term care. Visitors can view a PACE video that tells the stories of PACE participants and their families, read testimonials and access a PACE Program Finder that helps people find a PACE program in their community.
With 70 PACE programs now operating in 31 states, aging Americans and their caregivers have an even greater opportunity to benefit from the PACE approach to elder care. The popularity of these programs has increased so quickly because PACE effectively maintains the health, independence and dignity of seniors with long term care needs as they age by emphasizing preventive and primary care as well as nutrition, transportation and most other services that support the health and well-being of program participants.,
Adam Burrows, Medical Director of Upham’s Elder Service Plan, a PACE program in Boston, notes how a PACE program can help alleviate the physical and emotional strain that caregivers often experience in their desire to keep their loved ones at home. “Caregiving is extremely hard work and for family members to take this on in an effort to keep a loved one at home can be daunting,” said Dr. Burrows. “At PACE a team of caregivers and medical professionals is dedicated to optimizing the health, well-being, and physical function of an enrollee so that aging seniors are able to live at home independently.”
PACE programs’ documented results in preserving wellness, supporting healthy outcomes, and promoting quality of life help reduce hospital visits and avoid nursing home admissions. By avoiding these costs, PACE programs reduce expensive care interventions and provide families with piece of mind that their loved one is receiving the best possible care in the most appropriate setting.
“The celebration of National Caregivers’ Month gives family caregivers a great opportunity to discuss their options as caregivers, and also examine the best method of providing care for their aging family members,” said Bloom. “PACE can alleviate the challenges that caregivers face while helping seniors age in their own home. I encourage caregivers to learn more about PACE, its availability, and why it may be the best care option for them.”
About NPA:
The National PACE Association works to advance the efforts of Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to support, maintain, safeguard and promote the provision of quality, comprehensive and cost-effective health care services for frail older adults. More information on NPA and PACE is available at www.npaonline.org.