PACE stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. What is its purpose?

• A. To fund nursing homes exclusively
• B. To provide hospital-based care only
• C. To help people meet their needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home
• D. To coordinate care in long-term care facilities only

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that PACE is designed to keep eligible older adults living in the community by delivering comprehensive, all-inclusive care through an integrated team. It brings together medical, social, and supportive services—primary care, specialty care, rehabilitation, personal care, transportation, day-center activities, and even hospital and post-acute services when needed—under one coordinated plan and payment system. The goal is to prevent or delay nursing home placement by meeting a person’s needs where they live, with a focus on prevention, continuity of care, and keeping people in their homes and communities.

This explains why the option describing care in the community rather than in a nursing home best captures PACE’s purpose. It’s not about funding nursing homes exclusively, nor is it limited to hospital-based care, and it isn’t restricted to coordinating care only within long-term care facilities—the emphasis is on community-based, coordinated care to support staying home.