Florida PACE Association Launches Website, Toll-Free Number

FORT MYERS, FL--(Marketwire - Aug 16, 2011) - The Florida PACE Association has launched an informational website and toll-free number for those interested in learning more about the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly and PACE providers.

The website address is www.FLPACE.org, and the toll-free number is 855-4FL-PACE (855-435-7223).

PACE is a long-term, community-based alternative to nursing home care that helps older Floridians remain independent. Those 55 and older who prefer to remain in their homes can receive coordinated medical care and support services through PACE. The program combines healthcare services, socialization, therapies and meals.

The scope of services includes medical specialists, transportation, respite care, prescription medications, home health care, dental care, preventative care, personal care, social services, meals, nutritional counseling, and therapies including physical, occupational and recreational.

The Florida PACE Association is a collaborative organization of PACE service providers dedicated to providing healthcare to frail, older adults, according to the association's president, Samira K. Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope HealthCare Services.

"PACE programs represent a three-way partnership between the care provider, the state of Florida and the federal government," Beckwith said. "It's truly a collaborative program and process that empowers our frail elderly to age in place, which our patients and their families often prefer. This all-inclusive care program is especially beneficial during these economic times as it eases the financial costs for participants and is cost effective for the state and federal government."

Providers who make up the Florida PACE Association include: Florida PACE Center of Miami Jewish Health Systems; Hope PACE of Hope HealthCare Services in Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Lehigh Acres and Naples, scheduled to open later this year; Neighborly PACE of Neighborly Care Network in Clearwater; and Chapters Health System of Temple Terrace.

To learn more about PACE, including information about private pay options and Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, or to find a PACE provider near you, visit www.FLPACE.org or call toll-free 855-4FL-PACE.