Elder Care Cafe

If you have a loved one who is nursing home eligible but on a waiting list, check out PACE-LifeCircles. PACE is supported by Medicare/Medicaid and is a great option for medical care, senior activities, and respite for caregivers. It’s also located in a number of areas in the United States although your location might be known under a slightly different name.  NOTE: there is a link at the end of this article that will show you whether your State has such a program.

Yesterday was our second visit following the initial tour we had a couple of weeks ago.

A representative came in this past Tuesday and we spent a considerable amount of time completing paperwork – this was the second paperwork visit – and then yesterday (Thursday) was the in-depth visit where we met staff who would be instrumental in Dad’s care.

As part of the experience, they had a bus/van pick us up at our home, as they will with Dad, just so we could experience how everything will go. They dropped us off afterwards as well.

Dad and I spent the majority of yesterday meeting with staff from the various areas such as transportation, nursing, pharmacy, dietary; physical, occupational, and recreational therapy. Then, we finished with a comprehensive visit with the primary physician who will be in charge of his care and who we both absolutely loved!

Great group of people – very warm and caring, every one of them!

They all meet next Tuesday to see if Dad is accepted into the program, but from what it sounded like it is probably a go.

Dad’s very excited about the program and that is a huge breakthrough for him. Will give him a place to go to be around other seniors and their caregivers where he will get the support he needs at this point.

In-home caregivers can’t always give someone everything they need, and this program fills that need. It’s an opportunity for the caregiver to have some time off while allowing the senior to get out among other people. It’s not the same as going to the local senior center for lunch. It is so much more! They will take care of just about every need an aging senior has and provide the support families and caregivers need while waiting for a nursing home space to open up.

Here’s a list of current Medicare PACE programs so that you can check and see if there is one in your area.