PACE Programs Fight Elder Homelessness Crisis
Hello, friends, and welcome to Ope Vox, where we talk health and wellness for us golden-agers. Can you imagine being 80 with nowhere to call home? It’s a growing crisis, but programs like PACE are stepping up. Inspired by a KFF Health News story, we’ll explore why this is happening, how PACE helps, and what you can do to stay secure. So, grab a cozy seat, and let’s dive in.
KFF Health News, in an article by Felice Freyer, shines a light on a heartbreaking trend: 1 in 5 homeless Americans in 2024 are 55 or older, a 6% jump from last year. Take Roberta Rabinovitz, an 82-year-old widow who lost her family and ended up on her grandson’s couch. PACE Rhode Island, a nonprofit using Medicaid and Medicare funds, found her a studio apartment and provides medical care. PACE programs nationwide are now tackling housing, partnering with landlords or even building homes. But federal Medicaid cuts could make this harder, threatening seniors’ stability.
Why is this happening? Think of your budget like a tightrope—rent hikes or a medical bill can tip you off. HUD says over 20% of the homeless population is 55+, and for men over 60, shelter use has tripled since 2000. Rents average $1,500 a month, but Social Security pays just $1,900 on average. A single event—like losing a spouse or forgetting a bill—can lead to eviction. Recent Medicaid cuts, possibly slashing 20% of funding per the Kaiser Family Foundation, mean less support for programs like PACE, which serves 83,000 seniors nationwide.
PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is like a caring friend for frail seniors. They cover doctor visits, meds, even transportation—saving $4,000 a month compared to nursing homes. In Rhode Island, PACE helped Roberta settle into a cozy apartment. In Detroit, they’re planning tiny homes from shipping containers. But with 10–15 seniors a month facing homelessness in Rhode Island alone, PACE leaders worry about funding cuts. Expert Dennis Culhane calls this a “national scandal,” and he’s right—it’s unthinkable in a wealthy country.
Some say seniors should rely on savings or family, but that’s tough when rents outpace income. Others push for more public housing or expanded Medicaid. A middle ground? Strengthen PACE and local housing partnerships. The debate is whether healthcare programs should handle housing at all, especially with tight budgets.
Worried about housing? Visit www.npaonline.org to find PACE programs near you—you’re eligible at 55+ if you need nursing home-level care. Check www.usa.gov for your local Area Agency on Aging for rental help. A handy resource: download PACE eligibility guides at npaonline.org. If money’s tight, try Meals on Wheels to save on food costs.
We’ve seen how PACE fights elder homelessness, but funding cuts loom large. This week, check if PACE is in your area.