Seniors Have Healthcare Options To Help Them Remain at Home

Most people cherish the comfort of familiar surroundings, being close to family and friends, and the feeling of being in charge of their own lives. Often seniors and caregivers think that aging and declining health conditions mean that a move to a nursing home is inevitable. However, seniors do have options, and this includes seniors with low and limited income. The LIFE program in Pennsylvania is designed to provide medical and supportive services for people 55 years and older so that they can remain living in their home and avoid nursing home placement. There are no costs for the program for those who are eligible for long-term care Medicaid. Many people qualify for this program but are unaware.

The program, funded by Medicare and Medicaid, provides participants with a wide variety of coordinated health and personal care services to address physical, emotional, and social needs both in the LIFE Center, located in Greensburg behind Aldi, and in the participants’ home. These critical support services allow eligible seniors to remain independent and live at home, more safely, and more comfortably.

LIFE participants must be 55 years of age or older and live in an area served by a LIFE Program. Senior LIFE serves several Pennsylvania counties, including Westmoreland. Participants must also be determined as medically eligible based on health conditions and financially eligible based on income and assets. For those who are not financially eligible, there is an option to pay privately for the services. Ninety-nine percent of all Senior LIFE members qualify for all services at no cost.

Senior Life provides door-through-door transportation services from the participants’ homes to the Senior LIFE center as well as to doctors’ appointments. At the LIFE Center, members see their doctor, nurse, social worker and other healthcare professionals as designed by their personalized care plan. In addition to medical services, members participate in recreational activities and enjoy hot meals and snacks.

Mary, who has been a member of Senior LIFE for two years, appreciates having all of her medical services coordinated by one team at the same location. “I have my own medical team that works together and with me to keep me as healthy as possible. When my health changes, they all know about it and are all involved in my care plan.”

Sarah, who has been a member for three years, appreciates her medical care but loves the social aspect of Senior LIFE. “Coming to the Center gives me the chance to be around other people and there’s always something to do. I was so isolated before. Coming here gives me a routine and a purpose on those days.”

The LIFE program has demonstrated that in the elderly population, a combination of team care, managed health care services and care coordination can lead to improved health outcomes for participants.

Significant outcomes across LIFE Programs include: