Like many people throughout the country, Charlotte County’s frail elderly residents worry about the future of quality healthcare, and being able to afford it. They may also be troubled by the thought of having to move to a facility to receive the care they need.
Hope Healthcare Services is introducing a program to specifically address their concerns and meet their needs.
Hope PACE (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) enables Charlotte County seniors to continue to live independently at home and have all their required preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services brought to their door.
Hope President and CEO Samira K. Beckwith noted, “On too many occasions, we have been told, ‘I can’t make a choice between medicine and groceries. I just want to be able to take care of myself at home.’ Hope PACE is the only program of its kind in Charlotte County that will alleviate those concerns.”
Beckwith added, “People usually want to live at home for as long as possible, although they may need special healthcare services in order to maintain their independence. Hope PACE meets their needs and at the same time makes life much easier for their family caregivers.”
Hope PACE serves individuals age 55 and older who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The enrollee must be able to live at home safely with additional services as needed. Upon enrollment, participants may receive:
- Primary medical and nursing care
- Occupational, physical and speech therapy
- Medications and medical equipment
- Laboratory and diagnostic services
- All necessary prescription drugs
- Skilled home care and personal care aides
- Hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care and end of life care
- Care from medical specialists in cardiology, nephrology, ophthalmology, dermatology, orthopedics, surgery and podiatry
- Transportation to and from the Hope PACE Center, medical appointments and outings
The broad range of services also includes access to the Hope PACE Center, a state-of-the-art adult day health facility. Here, clients can socialize and participate in stimulating activities including light exercise, games, and arts. Healthcare services are also available on site.
This comprehensive, coordinated approach eliminates the need to access individual services from multiple care providers.
“A critically important benefit of Hope PACE is the support it gives to family members,” Beckwith said. “Caring for an aging loved one is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Family members have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their loved one is receiving all the care they need in a safe, comfortable and familiar environment.”
Hope PACE enrollment begins September 1. The program is based at the Hope PACE Center, located at 3280 Tamiami Trail, Suite 46, in Port Charlotte.
Beckwith is urging Charlotte County residents to call now for more information: 866-659-PACE (7223).
