LIFE Pittsburgh

Many older adults would prefer to age in place instead of being transferred to a long-term care center or nursing home. LIFE Pittsburgh is part of the National program (PACE) for adults 55+ who have health needs that affect their daily lives.The LIFE program is a Medicare/Medicaid managed care benefit for adults aged 55 or older who choose to live in their homes despite being certified by the state as nursing home eligible. The goal of the LIFE Program is to help their participants remain as independent as possible, while living in their own home and community. The core of the LIFE program is the interdisciplinary team. The team works to provide comprehensive medical and social services to the LIFE participants. This team includes a primary care physician, nurses, dietician, nursing aides, drivers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists and social workers.The interdisciplinary team meets daily and is responsible for determining care needs, allocating resources, coordination of all services, and development of a comprehensive care plan, which is developed for each individual participant. The care plan addresses a set of functional issues that are relevant to the overall health of the older adult participant. These include cognition, emotional status, social activity, mobility, diagnoses, medications, nutrition and other activities of daily living. Payment for services and monitoring of the quality of the services is authorized and directed by the interdisciplinary team.By caring for frail, older adults through this model, prevention of acute illness and conditions can often be prevented, thereby reducing the number of emergency room visits and hospital readmissions while allowing the individual to age in place in their own home.To be eligible for LIFE Pittsburgh, a participant must:Be 55 years of age or olderReside in an area served by LIFE PittsburghBe determined medically eligibleBe able to be safely serve in the communityBe determined financially eligible or be able to privately payEditors Note: This article was submitted by Manager of Outreach & Enrollment. She can be reached at 412-388-8050.  Visit their website at www.lifepittsburgh.org 

As the population ages, there is a growing need for innovative and comprehensive programs to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life. LIFE Pittsburgh, an organization committed to providing healthcare solutions tailored to seniors, stands out as a beacon of support for older adults in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this article, we will explore the myriad benefits of LIFE Pittsburgh and how this program plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of older individuals in the city.Understanding LIFE Pittsburgh:LIFE Pittsburgh, also known as Living Independence for the Elderly, is a program designed to offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare for older adults. The program's core focus is to enable seniors to age in place by providing a range of services that address their medical, social, and emotional needs. LIFE Pittsburgh operates under the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which emphasizes a person-centered approach to healthcare. PACE Programs in Pennsylvania are often referred to as "LIFE Programs".Benefits of LIFE Pittsburgh:Integrated Healthcare Services: One of the key benefits of LIFE Pittsburgh is the provision of integrated healthcare services. Participants in the program have access to a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers. This collaborative approach ensures that the medical needs of older adults are not only met but are also comprehensively addressed.Aging in Place: LIFE Pittsburgh is rooted in the principle of enabling older adults to age in place. The program offers a range of services that support seniors in living independently in their homes for as long as possible. This includes home-based care, transportation services, and assistance with activities of daily living. The emphasis on aging in place fosters a sense of familiarity and comfort for participants.Cost-Effective Healthcare: Participating in LIFE Pittsburgh can result in cost savings for older adults. The program's integrated model helps streamline healthcare services, reducing the need for multiple specialists and hospital visits. This, in turn, can contribute to lower overall healthcare costs while ensuring that seniors receive high-quality care tailored to their specific needs.Comprehensive Social Support: Beyond medical care, LIFE Pittsburgh recognizes the importance of social connections for the well-being of older adults. The program offers a range of social activities, support groups, and community engagement opportunities. This holistic approach addresses not only the physical health of participants but also their mental and emotional well-being.Personalized Care Plans: Each participant in LIFE Pittsburgh receives a personalized care plan that is tailored to their unique health needs and goals. The care plan is developed in collaboration with the individual, their family, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team. This personalized approach ensures that older adults receive the right care at the right time.Now, let's delve into how LIFE Pittsburgh specifically benefits older adults in Pittsburgh:Local Community Engagement: LIFE Pittsburgh is deeply embedded in the local community, providing older adults with opportunities to engage with their neighbors and fellow participants. Community events, social gatherings, and local partnerships contribute to a sense of belonging and community support.Transportation Assistance: Pittsburgh's hilly terrain and diverse neighborhoods can pose challenges for older adults when it comes to transportation. LIFE Pittsburgh addresses this by offering transportation services, ensuring that participants can easily access healthcare appointments, community activities, and essential services.Cultural Sensitivity: Pittsburgh is known for its rich cultural diversity, and LIFE Pittsburgh recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in providing healthcare. The program strives to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of its participants, ensuring that care plans are culturally competent and inclusive.Navigating Local Resources: LIFE Pittsburgh serves as a valuable resource for older adults in navigating the local healthcare landscape. From assisting with insurance matters to connecting participants with community resources, the program acts as a guide, simplifying the process of accessing essential services for seniors.LIFE Pittsburgh emerges as a lifeline for older adults in Pittsburgh, PA offering a comprehensive and person-centered approach to healthcare. The program's commitment to integrated services, aging in place, cost-effective healthcare, social support, and personalized care plans collectively contribute to an enhanced quality of life for participants. As the population continues to age, programs like LIFE Pittsburgh play a vital role in ensuring that older adults can age with dignity, independence, and a strong sense of community in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh. To learn more about eligibility and more details on LIFE Pittsburgh, reach out to us at 412-388-8050.

What is LIFE? LIFE is a program that allows older Pennsylvanians to live independently while receiving services and support that meet the health and personal needs of the individual. Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) is an all-inclusive, comprehensive program that helps people maintain their independence in the community through supportive services. The program is known nationally as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). All PACE providers in Pennsylvania have LIFE in their name. The first programs were implemented in Pennsylvania in 1998. What Does LIFE Provide? LIFE programs are local, nonprofit PACE programs that provide comprehensive and integrative care to seniors who may not otherwise be eligible to live independently at home. There is a coordinated plan of care that includes medical, social, and daily living support. At LIFE programs, older adults are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. They receive the very best care from dedicated geriatric care professionals without sacrificing their independence. Primary care and community services are provided through the Day Health Center and the in-home program based on individual needs. The continuous coordination of care sets the LIFE program apart from any other care model, ensuring its participants' quality of life. A LIFE program physician will become the primary care doctor. He or she specializes in the care of older adults with chronic medical conditions. Moreover, the LIFE physician meets daily with a team of care professionals (social worker, dietitian, therapists, personal care assistant, etc.) to ensure the participant is staying in the best possible health. This team approach has been proven throughout the United States to provide the most coordinated, proactive care so that the participant can enjoy the best possible quality of life. Who is Eligible for LIFE? Eligible participants are 55 years old or older, live in the designated service area, meet the states medical requirements for nursing facility level of care, and are able to live safely in the community. How Can I Learn More About LIFE? Call the PA CHC Helpline at 1-844-824-3655 for an explanation of the enrollment requirements, and medical and financial eligibility process. You can also contact https://www.npaonline.org/ to find a local LIFE program. Visit their website at www.lifepittsburgh.org. 

Senior Care Spotlight welcomes Deanna Guarnaccio with LIFE Pittsburgh. Learn about their wonderful, all-inclusive program for individuals 55+ who want to remain in their home, but need supportive services. They are welcoming new participants at this time, the process can be started with a phone call assessment at 412-388-8050.

LIFE Pittsburgh enhances the ability of seniors to live in their own homes through high-quality and comprehensive services. We 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 careVision, dental, foot, and hearing careAccess to on-call emergency assistance from Doctor or Nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Prescription drugs and home deliveryAssistance with dressing, bathing, grooming and other daily activitiesHomemaker and chore services as necessaryTransportation to and from medical appointmentsBehavioral healthcare and counselingSpecialistsIn-home skilled careSkilled nursing carePhysical, occupational, and speech therapyAll medical supplies and equipmentNutritional counselingMedical imagingLaboratory servicesContinual and comprehensive medical evaluationsHow will this help my family?LIFE Pittsburgh supports your family members and other caregivers by providing the tools and education to keep loved ones at home. With our day health center and in-home care expertise, we understand the challenges of caring for frail older adults, and can ease the caregiving burden.How much does this cost?If your gross monthly income is less than $2,382 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. We will help you through the application process for financial eligibility.Is there proof that LIFE Programs work?Yes!  National studies have shown that LIFE programs reduce the need for expensive long-term nursing home care (Gerontologist Vol 45, No. 2, 2005).  LIFE prevents and/or significantly reduces preventable hospitalizations (Journal of Gerontology Vol 61 No. 7, 2006).Is LIFE Pittsburgh right 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, cleaning, or vacuuming?Have you noticed a significant weight gain or 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 and keeping those appointments?Have you recently fallen?Could you benefit from ongoing physical, occupational, or speech therapies?If you answered yes to any of these questions, call us today at 412-388-8050 to see if you are eligible for LIFE Pittsburgh.Our mission is to help older adults remain a vibrant part of their communities.

LIFE Pittsburgh, a nonprofit program that provides comprehensive and integrated care to seniors who may not otherwise be able to live independently at home, continues to provide care to their participants by keeping them safe in their homes during these uncertain times. While adapting the process at their Adult Day Health Centers to ensure the health of current participants, LIFE Pittsburgh also left enrollment open for new participants who would benefit from access to their essential programs.  LIFE Pittsburgh has been serving the elderly population in Allegheny County for over 20 years with a comprehensive program of support services that provide seniors the ability to maintain their independence in their homes and communities. The program model, known nationally as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), provides the participants, family, caregivers, and professional health care providers the flexibility to meet those health needs with integrative care.Eligible participants must be 55 years old or older, live in the designated service area, meet the states medical requirements for nursing facility level of care, be able to live safely in the community, and be financially eligible as determined by the Allegheny County Assistance Office or be able to privately pay. Individual care plans are coordinated for each participant to assist in medical, social and daily living activities while focusing on providing care with respect and dignity as outlined in the Balanced Budget act of 1997 set forth by the National PACE association.A participant of LIFE Pittsburghs team may include a doctor, registered nurse, masters-level social worker, licensed therapist, personal care aid, or registered dietician in addition to the center manager and staff. Care for participants can be daily vital checking, solution focused health routines, communicating with family members the participants ongoing needs, surveying home accessibility, or providing transportation to appointments with their LIFE Pittsburgh wheelchair accessible van fleet.To learn more about eligibility and the process of enrolling, contact LIFE Pittsburgh at 412-388-8050 TTY:711 and ask for the Enrollment Department or visit their website, www.lifepittsburgh.org.  Editors Note:  This article was submitted by Deanna Guarnaccio, Outreach Supervisor, BS, CTRS at LIFE Pittsburgh.  To learn more about LIFE Pittsburgh visit www.lifepittsburgh.org or call 412-388-8050.