"On a Personal as well as professional basis, I give my most hearty commendation to the everyday LIFE program and invite you to experience its exceptional services."

Kathleen Meehan, M.D.
Primary Care Physician

Health care — coordinated, personal and superb — is available right now.

The United States has the best health care system in the world, but too often it is fragmented, expensive, and impersonal.

Chronic illness is taxing, confusing and very difficult for patients and families. The average geriatric patient has at least three chronic conditions, usually requiring four or more physicians. Each physician sees the patient separately, and might or often does not know what the other physicians are doing. Medicare services are limited to brief therapy, visiting nurses, and hospital and skilled nursing facility services. Most elderly patients take at least four drugs, which they may or may not be able to afford.

Now there is a health care program for the frail elderly that is personal, does everything that needs to be done to improve their quality of life, and does so in a way that promotes independence and family relationships. In the larger United States, the program is called PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. In Pennsylvania it is known as LIFE — Living Independence for the Elderly.

In Lehigh and Northampton counties, we now have this brand-new program: everyday LIFE! The program is designed for individuals 55 years or older who are eligible for a nursing home, but who choose to remain within their own home. Some can still live independently with support, others need assistance from family members in the home. Important and unique to this program, the all-inclusive services provided by LIFE are fully funded for those who qualify for Medicaid only, both Medicare and Medicaid or, alternatively, can be privately paid!

In the everyday LIFE model, we share the load with participants and their families. We get to know our participants, their families and care givers, and do everything we can to keep the "lifefulness" in the life they have left, both in their own homes and in our center.

Key to this service is our unique interdisciplinary team. Made up of nurses, therapists, aids, primary care physicians, transportation, social services, recreation assistants — in fact, virtually our entire staff — the team meets daily to review participants status, approve needs, review specialists reports, and address any family concerns. Nowhere else is such a interdisciplinary medical team in place!

At everyday LIFE, all drugs are paid for, and the team regularly assesses if they are necessary and appropriate. All physician visits are covered, and primary care and podiatry are done in the center. everyday LIFE will provide transportation to specialist office and coordinate visits. Everything is approved by the interdisciplinary team.

We know that isolation is one of the most difficult parts of aging. At everyday LIFE, participants come to the center from one to five days per week, where they can have fun and recreation, as well as therapy, home health aides for bathing, and even laundry if needed. Outings are arranged for shopping and recreation.

If the patient needs a wheelchair, hospital bed, or special dressings — these can all be arranged. When a patient is ill, they will see one of their own staff in the hospital, rehabilitation center, or skilled nursing facility. The transfer of information is seamless.

It is this coordination of care — giving whatever the person truly needs, avoiding duplication of services, and preventing unnecessary testing — that make the everyday LIFE program the most exciting concept in geriatrics — in any medical care — in the last few decades.

Speaking  personally — I was raised with many great aunts and uncles. When I was in my 20's, I took care of my grandfather. I gravitated to geriatrics because of these relationships. I would have given anything for a program like everyday LIFE to help share the load of caring for my grandfather. This help is available now to you and your family!

This program gives me, as a physician, the opportunity to practice medicine as I know it ought to be done.

The average LIFE participant lives longer, happier and healthier than patients in nursing homes, and it is less expensive for the country. What a great value!

Sincerely,

K. Meehan, M.D.

"I could write a book on the benefits of everyday LIFE, but it’s easiest to say – everyday LIFE has made our family’s life better every day. Thank you everyday LIFE for bringing comfort and peace to our lives. "

R.M. Hanlon

The everyday LIFE program has been a Godsend for mom and our family. My brother and I are separated by hundreds of miles and as caregivers of our aging mother, caring for her has been especially hard on everyone. With comprehensive LIFE services, mom now enjoys a better quality of life while my brother and I partner with a team of caregivers and providers that we trust and rely on.