What Is the PACE Program in Florida? A Private-Pay Family’s Guide in Miami-Dade County

If you're the adult daughter of an aging parent in Miami-Dade County, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed by the choices for senior care. Between full-time work, raising your own children, and trying to coordinate safe support for your loved one, it can feel like a full-time job in itself. One option you might come across in your research is PACE, or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. But is it the right fit for your family?

At Golden Companions, we specialize in private-pay, in-home senior care designed around the needs of families like yours—especially those seeking a more personal, flexible, and dignified alternative to government programs.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what PACE is, who qualifies, and how it compares to customized, boutique home care options like Golden Companions—right here in Miami-Dade County.

What Is the PACE Program in Florida?

PACE stands for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It’s a government-managed, Medicaid and Medicare-funded program that delivers a range of medical and social services for older adults who qualify for nursing-home level care but wish to remain at home.

PACE is designed to reduce nursing home admissions by centralizing all care through a PACE center. Participants receive transportation, therapies, social activities, medications, and primary care all coordinated through a fixed location.

What Services Does PACE Offer?

PACE programs typically include:

• Physician oversight and case management

• Prescription drugs and transportation

• Adult day care at the PACE center

• Rehabilitation therapies (PT/OT)

• Meals and social activities

• Access to hospitals and nursing care if needed

But here's what many families in Miami-Dade don’t realize: PACE is not an in-home care solution. Services are built around frequent trips to a PACE facility, which can disrupt routines, feel impersonal, and limit independence—especially for clients with cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s.

Who Qualifies for the PACE Program in Miami-Dade?

To enroll in PACE, your loved one must meet these criteria:

• Be age 55+

• Live in a PACE service area (limited availability)

• Be certified as needing nursing home-level care

• Be able to live safely at home with support

• Qualify for Medicaid, or pay a full monthly premium

In Miami-Dade County, only certain ZIP codes are served by PACE providers such as Miami Jewish Health PACE and United HomeCare. Enrollment slots are limited and not all care is provided in the home.

PACE vs. Golden Companions: What Miami Families Need to Know

While PACE offers a broad spectrum of services for lower-income seniors, it’s not ideal for every family—especially private-pay clients looking for:

• Consistent, one-on-one caregiver relationships

• Support within the home, not just a facility

• More control and choice over care plans

• Emotional trust and communication between caregivers and families

Let’s break down the comparison:

Feature	PACE Program (Miami)	Golden Companions (Private-Pay In-Home Care)
Care Location	Mostly at PACE center	All care provided in the comfort of the home
Caregiver Consistency	Varies; center-based staff rotation	Hand-selected caregivers tailored to your parent
Schedule Flexibility	Fixed days/times; must attend center	Fully customizable: days, evenings, weekends, 24/7
Client Type	Medicaid recipients or dual-eligibles	Private-pay families seeking boutique service
Starting Cost	Free for Medicaid / ~$5K+/mo for others	Starts at $25/hour, scaled to your real needs
Approach	Medicalized, institutional	Personalized, high-touch, emotionally intuitive

Why Many Miami-Dade Families Choose Golden Companions Over PACE

If your family values flexibility, familiarity, and independence, Golden Companions is built around your lifestyle—not the other way around. We serve clients throughout Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Brickell, South Miami, Pinecrest, and surrounding neighborhoods, with services designed to empower families, not replace them.

The Golden Companions Difference:

✅ In-Home Personal Care

• Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting

• Safe transfers and fall prevention

• Medication reminders and meal support

✅ Homemaking & Companionship

• Light cleaning, laundry, cooking

• Transportation to doctor’s visits or salon appointments

• Emotional connection and social stimulation

✅ Alzheimer’s & Specialized Care

• Memory care strategies tailored to each stage

• Consistent caregivers who understand your loved one’s rhythms

• Calm, structured routines that reduce agitation

Our care starts at $25/hour, with no long-term contracts. Families can scale up or down as needs change.

Is PACE Right for Your Parent, or Are You Settling?

Many of the adult daughters we speak with in Miami-Dade initially consider PACE because they’re overwhelmed and it seems like a comprehensive option. But here’s what they tell us later:

"It was hard for my mom to be on someone else’s schedule. The bus rides to the PACE center were exhausting, and she missed having someone in the home just for her."

"I didn’t like how institutional it felt. With Golden Companions, I know exactly who’s caring for Dad, and I can call or text Stefanie anytime."

Golden Companions gives you peace of mind, knowing your parent is cared for by someone who genuinely listens, respects their dignity, and adapts as their condition changes.

When Is Golden Companions the Better Option?

Choose Golden Companions when:

• Your parent lives in Miami-Dade and prefers to remain at home full-time

• You want customizable care schedules (2 hours or 24/7)

• Your family is private-pay and not reliant on Medicaid

• You’re navigating memory issues, limited mobility, or post-surgery recovery

• You want a hands-on, local care coordinator (no call centers)

How to Get Started with Golden Companions

We make it easy to explore options—even if you’re still evaluating programs like PACE. During your free consultation, we’ll:

• Review your parent’s needs and goals

• Explain your private-pay options and hourly rates

• Share a custom caregiver profile tailored to your preferences

• Help you decide between companionship, personal care, or specialized care

• Discuss how long-term care insurance may help cover services

📞 Call or text us today at (305) 239-7483

📧 Email: info@golden-companions.com

🌐 Visit: www.golden-companions.com

PACE vs. Private In-Home Care: Real Talk for Busy Adult Children

You’re not just choosing a program—you’re choosing a daily experience for your parent. Do you want:

• A rotating team at a facility… or one caregiver who becomes part of the family?

• Set pickup times and group activities… or independence and quiet mornings?

• A fixed system designed around budgets… or custom care built around your loved one’s values?

Families in Key Biscayne, The Roads, Coral Gables, and North Miami are increasingly opting for premium in-home care over public programs. And it shows: our clients stay with us longer, refer friends, and often share stories about how our caregivers restored dignity, peace, and connection to their homes.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Right Move for Your Family?

The PACE program in Florida provides vital services for low-income seniors who require full-time support—but it’s not ideal for every situation. If your family is looking for a higher standard of in-home care, emotional connection, and control over your parent’s care environment, Golden Companions offers the personalized solution you deserve.

We’re not just a nurse registry. We’re a partner for families navigating aging with grace, privacy, and dignity—all without leaving the place your parent calls home.

Get in Touch with Golden Companions

📍 Proudly serving Miami-Dade County, including:

• Coral Gables

• Coconut Grove

• The Roads

• South Miami

• Pinecrest

• Cutler Bay

• Kendall

• Miami Beach

• Key Biscayne

• Aventura and more

📞 Call us now: 305-239-7483

📧 Email: info@golden-companions.com

🌐 Learn more: www.golden-companions.com