We have answered some commonly asked questions about our services below. Call us if you have other questions at 919-425-3000.
What is a PACE program?
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) delivers all needed medical and supportive services. The program provides the entire spectrum of care and services to seniors with chronic care needs while maintaining their independence in their homes for as long as possible.
Where did PACE come from?
The PACE model of care can be traced to the early 1970s. The Chinatown-North Beach community of San Francisco saw the pressing needs of families whose elders had immigrated from Italy, China and the Philippines for long-term care services. On Lok Senior Health Services, a nonprofit corporation, was the first to create a community-based system of care in San Francisco.
How many PACE programs are there?
There are almost 100 PACE providers like Senior CommUnity Care of North Carolina nationwide.
Who are typical PACE participants?
The average PACE program participant is 80 years old, has 7.9 medical conditions and is limited in roughly three activities of daily living. Despite a high level of care needs, more than 90 percent of PACE participants are able to continue to live in the community.
How do people qualify for PACE?
PACE serves people who are age 55 or older. They must be certified by their state to need nursing home care. They must also be able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment and live in a PACE service area.
How do I join Senior CommUnity Care of North Carolina?
Please visit our PACE Center in Durham to inquire about eligibility, services and becoming a participant. For our location, please see our Services section. You can also call our PACE marketing director at 919-425-3050.
Are people who do not qualify for Medicaid eligible for PACE enrollment?
Yes. If a person meets the income and assets limits to qualify for Medicaid, the program pays for a portion of the monthly PACE premium. Medicare pays for the rest. If a person does not qualify for Medicaid, he or she is responsible for the portion of the monthly premium Medicaid would pay. PACE staff can help determine a person’s Medicaid eligibility.
Is transportation provided to the PACE Health Center?
Yes. We provide transportation to and from the PACE Center. Not only is transportation provided between the participant’s home and the Center, but also to important medical appointments and other activities.
Do PACE participants attend the PACE health center every day?
No. The average participant attends the Center about three days a week.
What services are provided as part of this program?
We offer all heath care related services based on individualized needs, allowing the participant ability to continue living in the community, cost savings and much more. For a complete list of services that Senior CommUnity Care of North Carolina provides, please visit our Services section.
Are prescription drugs covered?
Yes. All prescription and over-the-counter drugs deemed necessary by the PACE care team are covered by Senior CommUnity Care of North Carolina.
Can I keep my own doctor?
Not at this time. When a person enrolls in Senior CommUnity Care of North Carolina, he or she is assigned a primary care physician who is part of a care team skilled in treating seniors. This primary care physician works with the team to coordinate all services a participant receives.
How does Senior CommUnity Care support caregivers?
We support your family members and other caregivers with training, support groups and respite care. This helps families keep their loved ones in the community.
What happens if a person wants to leave the Senior CommUnity Care program?
A participant is free to dis-enroll from our program and resume their benefits in the traditional Medicare and Medicaid programs at any time.
I am very impressed with the work that Senior CommUnity Care does. How can I help?
You can volunteer at our PACE Health Center. Contact us at 919-425-3000 for details.
