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LIFE Programs are an Alternative to Community Choices
LIFE Programs (PACE) enhance the ability of seniors to live in their own homes through high-quality and comprehensive services.
They are a community-based alternative to nursing homes and personal care/assisted living, providing in-home care to those whose health limits their independence.
What care is provided?
• Primary, preventative, and emergency care • Vision, dental, foot, and hearing care • Access to on-call emergency assistance from doctor/nurse 24/7 • Prescription drugs and home delivery • Assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming and other daily activities • Homemaker and chore services • Transportation to and from medical appointments • Behavioral healthcare and counseling • Specialists • In-home skilled care • Skilled nursing care • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy • Medical supplies and equipment • Nutritional counseling • Medical imaging • Laboratory services • Continual and comprehensive medical evaluations
How much does this cost?
If your gross monthly income is less than $2,523 and you have less than $8,000 in assets (excluding one house and one car), the program would be paid for you by the State and Federal government. This includes medications and medical equipment.
If you answer Yes to any of these questions, a LIFE Program may be an option for you: • Are you 55 years or older? • Do you need assistance with your daily activities, like bathing, dressing, grooming? • Are you having difficulty with managing your medications? • Do you need assistance with basic housekeeping, laundry, or cleaning? • Have you noticed significant weight gain/loss in the last few months? • Do you have difficulty with walking, balance, endurance, or flexibility? • Do you see several specialists and doctors and have difficulty making those appointments? • Have you recently fallen? • Could you benefit from ongoing physical, occupational, or speech therapies?
Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Deanna Guarnaccio, Outreach Supervisor with LIFE Pittsburgh. To learn more about LIFE Pittsburgh visit www.lifepittsburgh.org or call 412-388-8050.
