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Monday, November 10, 2014

Franciscan St. Francis Health sets PACE by offering health care options to seniors

INDIANAPOLIS – Imagine a community-based health program providing a range of services to seniors who might otherwise need nursing home level care.

That’s exactly what Franciscan Alliance will soon be delivering to local seniors through the Franciscan Senior Health & Wellness – PACE program.  PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare program for adults age 55 and older and having chronic care needs. PACE is a national program, and Franciscan Senior Health & Wellness will offer the first of its kind in Indiana.

The PACE Center, located at the intersection of Southport and Franklin roads on the city’s far south side, will be formally opened to participants in early January 2015. The program was created as a way to provide area seniors, family members, caregivers and professional health care providers with flexibility to meet consumers’ health needs and continue living in the community.

“The PACE model is the day center, where participants receive therapy, medical care and social services,” said PACE Director Susan Waschevski. “PACE also supports caregivers with training, support groups and respite care to help families keep their loved ones in their homes and the community.

An interdisciplinary team of caregivers and specialists, led by Nicolas Priscu, MD, will design individualized plans of care for each PACE participant. The team includes a registered nurse, social worker, dietitian, physical and occupational therapists, activity coordinator and others.

“PACE provides a centralized location and a focused, coordinated care approach,” Dr. Priscu said.

PACE provides all of the care and the services covered by Medicare and Medicaid – as authorized by the team – as well as additionally medically necessary care and services not covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The coverage includes:
·        Prescription drugs
·        Physician care
·        Therapy
·        Transportation
·        Home care checkups
·        Hospital visits
·        Nursing home stays when necessary

Participation in PACE is voluntary and available to eligible people across the financial spectrum. All Medicare-covered services are paid for individuals who qualify for Medicare. Medicaid-covered participants will pay nothing for the long-term portion of the PACE benefit.
In addition, participants must meet Indiana eligibility requirements for nursing home care, are able to live  safely at home, must be 55 years or older and live within the Franciscan Senior Health & Wellness Service area. 


In advance of the formal opening of the PACE facility, Franciscan St. Francis will host an open house, Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitors will be able to tour the 11,000-square-foot and meet the staff.