LIFE in Pennsylvania: A Proven Model at Risk Without Sustainable Support
The Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program, known nationally as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), stands as an invaluable program allowing thousands of older Pennsylvanians to age gracefully within the familiar embrace of their homes and communities while receiving care.
LIFE is a proven, person-centered model that blends medical, social, and personal services into one seamless program. Participants receive access to a comprehensive array of health and support services, offering an alternative to traditional managed care options. These services encompass coordinated care, social engagement, physician and specialty services, personal assistance, nutritional support, transportation, and more.
With 53 LIFE centers in Pennsylvania, out of 300 nationwide, the program is an integral part of the aging services ecosystem that includes Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Home and Community-Based Services, Assisted Living/Personal Care Homes, and Senior Affordable Housing.
However, this robust support network is under increasing strain.
“Community LIFE needs an increase in Medicaid funding to rebuild the professional resources necessary to provide care, establish training programs, and increase wages for staff, including our home care aides,” said Kirsten Crowe, Director of Operations at Community LIFE in Pittsburgh.
Crowe, who has spent more than 30 years serving older adults, sees the power of the LIFE program every day, but she also sees the cracks forming. The reality is that while LIFE providers have received some additional funding in recent years, these modest rate increases are insufficient to meet today’s financial demands. Rising inflation, workforce shortages, and escalating operational costs are pushing many LIFE providers to the brink.
“We’re in a difficult downward spiral,” said Carrie Zahniser, Human Resources Manager at Community LIFE. “Many workers are leaving healthcare altogether due to burnout. Without fair Medicaid funding, we simply cannot keep up.”
Leslie Kisow, Executive Director of Community and LIFE Programs at Lutheran SeniorLife, echoed this sentiment, stating, “In this job, a caregiver has to be comfortable working in people’s homes, and that’s harder to recruit than people may think. LIFE programs are having a hard time being more competitive with compensation, and without more Medicaid assistance, it will continue to be difficult.”
At the same time, many older Pennsylvanians are not aware of the affordable, high-quality care available through the LIFE program, resulting in low enrollment. Without greater visibility and consistent funding increases, providers will struggle to survive and may need to delay essential repairs or limit investments in technologies that improve care and quality of life.
The LIFE model will continue to work, but only if it’s supported.