MUSKEGON — As Michigan’s population ages and families struggle with rising nursing home costs, a West Michigan healthcare organization is helping hundreds of older adults remain in their homes while receiving comprehensive medical care.
In an interview on MITechTV, Phil McPherson, Director of Program Integrity and Chief Compliance Officer at Life Circles, explains how the organization’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) serves approximately 550 participants across Muskegon, Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Operating since 2008, Life Circles employs more than 200 people and operates day centers in Muskegon and Holland. Its services include physician visits, nursing care, physical therapy, medication management, transportation, meals and social activities.
McPherson says the program is designed to help people 55 and older who qualify for nursing home-level care continue living safely in their communities.
The potential financial savings are substantial. McPherson estimates PACE care costs approximately $6,000 to $8,000 per participant monthly, compared with nursing home costs that can reach $18,000 a month. These figures are estimates discussed during the interview, not a statewide cost comparison.
For qualifying participants covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, PACE services generally are provided without additional out-of-pocket costs.
The interview also explores how Life Circles helps relieve family caregiver burnout, opportunities to expand into underserved rural communities, and growing demand for healthcare workers.
Life Circles is hiring, including certified nursing assistants, social workers, physicians and administrative professionals. McPherson says the organization has an employee turnover rate below 4 percent.
Watch the full MITechTV interview to learn how this alternative to traditional nursing home care works, who qualifies and what opportunities are available for Michigan healthcare professionals.
