Director of Business Development Lymari Rivera discusses Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE’s holistic approach to senior healthcare and the benefits of their unique program
As Miami’s senior population grows, the need for comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare solutions has never been more critical. Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE (MSEP) stands at the forefront, offering a full spectrum of healthcare services designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals 55 and older who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
In a recent interview, Lymari Rivera, Director of Business Development at Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE, shares the program’s approach to personalized care and its impact on the lives of patients.
A holistic approach to senior care
Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE offers a distinctive healthcare model, integrating medical, social, and support services to meet the unique needs of Miami’s elderly Medicare and Medicaid population. “Our program is designed to go beyond traditional healthcare,” Rivera explains. “Participants and their caregivers are supported by an interdisciplinary team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and personal care aides. Each participant’s needs are thoroughly assessed, and an individualized care plan is crafted to ensure 24/7 care, 365 days a year.”
This high-touch care model is vital for seniors who require frequent medical attention and personalized support. The program delivers a range of services both at the Eldercare PACE center and in the participants’ homes, ensuring a consistent, seamless approach to healthcare. “We address every aspect of a participant’s well-being, from primary care and therapy to nutrition and personal safety,” Rivera adds.
Comprehensive services for a healthier life
The Eldercare program isn’t just about meeting healthcare needs—it’s about enhancing the overall quality of life. At the center, participants have access to primary medical care, therapy, meals, and social activities, according to Rivera. She explained that the care extends beyond the center, with skilled care and support services also provided in participants' homes to ensure their environments are safe and conducive to their well-being.
This comprehensive care includes services such as installing ramps, grab bars, and other safety tools to help participants remain independent in their homes. In addition, Eldercare’s community network extends access to specialists and other providers when necessary, ensuring continuity of care across settings.
With Medicare Open Enrollment on the horizon, seniors and their families often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of choosing the right plan. Rivera advises patients to take a proactive approach.
Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE simplifies this process by serving as both a healthcare provider and a health plan. Rivera mentioned that the program merges the personalized care typically provided by a healthcare provider with the efficiency of a health plan.
She explained that the interdisciplinary team handles much of the care delivery directly while also coordinating services from contracted providers, such as hospitals and specialists. Additionally, she noted that the program manages and covers the costs of these services, allowing patients to focus on their health rather than administrative tasks.
Patients enrolled in the Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE program can rest assured that all their Medicare and Medicaid services are covered, along with additional benefits designed to improve their overall well-being.
Success stories highlight the program’s impact
The program's holistic approach to healthcare has already made a lasting impact on the lives of many patients. Rivera shares one particular success story involving a stroke survivor. “The therapy team worked closely with this participant to help her regain mobility in her hand, which the stroke had severely impacted,” Rivera recounts. “Thanks to the personalized attention and rehabilitation, she’s now able to use her hand again for daily tasks, significantly improving her quality of life.”
This is just one of many examples of how Mt. Sinai’s high-touch care and individualized treatment plans are making a real difference for Miami’s seniors.
Addressing Social Determinants Of Health
Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE recognizes that healthcare outcomes are influenced by much more than clinical care. In fact, according to Rivera, only 20% of health outcomes are linked to medical interventions, while the remaining 80% are attributed to factors like diet, social conditions, and the physical environment.
Rivera explained that addressing social determinants of health is a crucial aspect of their care model. She shared that the program has undertaken efforts such as remodeling bathrooms and purchasing specialized beds for participants to ensure they live in environments that support their well-being. Additionally, the interdisciplinary team focuses on issues like food insecurity and social isolation, which can have negative effects on seniors' health.
By taking a holistic view of each participant’s needs, the program ensures that both medical and non-medical factors are addressed, leading to better health outcomes for its participants.
Preparing For Medicare Enrollment Season
While Medicare Open Enrollment can be a busy time for healthcare providers, Rivera emphasizes that Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE accepts new participants year-round. “
We’re not restricted to open enrollment periods. Our goal is to make sure seniors receive timely, personalized care whenever they need it. -Lymari Rivera, Director of Business Development at Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE
The range of services provided by PACE is extensive, covering everything from adult day health care to prescription medications, lab services, and transportation. The program also offers a wide array of therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as recreational activities designed to keep participants engaged and active.
Rivera stresses that one of the program’s greatest strengths is its team of professionals who work closely with each participant. She stated that the interdisciplinary team ensures that all participant needs are addressed, whether those needs are medical, social, or logistical, such as providing safe transportation to appointments.
For families of elderly patients trying to navigate the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid, Rivera offers one key piece of advice: “Ask questions that directly affect your loved one’s unique situation. Every patient is different, and it’s important to choose a healthcare provider and plan that aligns with their specific needs.”
Mt. Sinai Eldercare PACE’s focus on personalized care ensures that every participant receives the attention and support they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
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