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LIFE

What is Living Independently for Elders (LIFE)?

Catholic Health - LIFE is a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, sometimes known as a PACE program.

This is a long-term care program for older adults who wish to live at home but require nursing home care. These individuals need assistance in order to maintain their health, complete day-to-day activities and remain safe for as long as possible.

As part of the LIFE program, all medical care is coordinated by our LIFE team. Participants receive primary care services from the physician at our LIFE health center. Transportation to and from medical appointments is included.

Watch the ten-minute video to below for an overview of the LIFE program.

Services

LIFE Center (OLV Senior Neighborhood, Lackawanna)

• Physician services, by physicians who specialize in care for the elderly
• Nursing
• Rehabilitation therapies (physical, occupational and speech therapies)
• Social work services
• Spiritual care
• Nutritional services
• Personal care
• Recreational and educational activities
• Round trip transportation to and from the center

Outpatient Medical Services

• Medical specialty services
• Dental care
• Mental health services
• Eye care including exams and glasses
• Foot care
• Hearing exams and hearing aids
• Alcohol and substance abuse services
• Diagnostic tests and lab services

Hospital Inpatient & Emergency Services

Home Health Care

• Nursing, rehabilitation therapies, social work and home health aide services
• Durable medical equipment and all needed supplies

Nursing Home Services

• Short-term rehabilitation
• Respite
• Long-term care, if needed

Prescription Drugs

Service Providers

As a Catholic Health - LIFE participant, you will receive primary care services from the physician at our LIFE health center. If you need care in a hospital or from a specialist, you will also be required to use a physician or hospital in the Catholic Health - LIFE provider network.

If you are currently receiving care from someone who is not in our network of providers, we will coordinate any changes that need to be made so that you continue to receive the care you need.

To obtain a list of our Provider Network, or to find out if your provider is in the network, call us at (716) 819-LIFE (5433).

Testimonials

"My Mom started at LIFE yesterday. I felt like I was sending my first born off to her first day of school!

She was very nervous, but Pete, the van driver, was so nice: greeting her for the first time by her name and telling her what a great day she was in store for, all with a big smile. He truly set the tone for the day!

And, of course, I had to call and check on her. Karen called me right back. Mom was having coffee and cookies and doing great. Everyone is so nice there!

My family and I so are thankful for this program. It truly is a blessing to our community!"

– Debbie McGowan

"Never in all my life have I been more impressed with a group of people as I am now. Dr. Pearl is the most committed doctor I have encountered in a long time, as are all of you. It is an honor to be a part of your group.

– Ben Cosmano

Click here to listen to Debbie and Ben describe their LIFE experiences to WBFO-FM. The segment is 5 minutes and 34 seconds long and is a part of the WBFO series "Rescripting Healthcare."

Eligibility

You may be eligible to join Catholic Health - LIFE if you meet these guidelines:

• You are 55 years or older.
• You have Medicare and/or Medicaid or you are willing to pay privately.
• At the time of enrollment, you are eligible for nursing home care but choose to remain at home with assistance. You are expected to need long term care services for at least 120 days. 
• You are residing in the Catholic Health - LIFE service area.
• Your healthcare needs can be safely met in your home and at our healthcare center.

Health Coverage and Costs

Insurance

If you are eligible to participate in Catholic Health - LIFE and choose to join the program, your health insurance coverage will change so that you are able to receive all the services you need.

Catholic Health will provide all services that are paid for by Medicare or Medicaid, plus others. You will receive a new membership card and a sticker for your Medicare card, which tells other providers that you have chosen to join the program.

Membership Costs

Costs of care are completely paid by LIFE for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.* If you do not have Medicaid, you will be charged a monthly fee to participate in Catholic Health - LIFE.

We will be happy to explain your costs, if there are any, when we meet with you.

*Please note that you may be liable for cost of services not authorized by Catholic Health - LIFE.

How to Enroll

Membership in Catholic Health - LIFE is voluntary. You choose to enroll in the program and you may cease your membership at any time. If you are interested in becoming a member, please do the following:

1. Call us at (716) 819-5433. We will answer any questions that you have about the program.
2. We will schedule a visit either at your home or at our center. During this visit, you will meet the staff of the program, including the physician who will provide your medical care if you choose to join the program. We will begin to determine your needs, talk to you about how the program works and provide written materials for your reference.
3. A LIFE nurse will meet with you in your home so that we may plan for any care you will receive at home.
4. If you are eligible and choose to enroll, you will sign an enrollment agreement. Your membership usually becomes effective on the first day of the month after the enrollment form is completed.

More Information

To learn more about Catholic Health - LIFE, please call our intake coordinator at (716) 819-LIFE (5433).