Freddie Felder noticed changes in his wife’s behavior in 2018. As her condition slowly deteriorated, Freddie sought answers.
Finally, doctors diagnosed Cynthia, Freddie’s wife of 55 years, with a form of dementia. As Cynthia’s lone caregiver, Freddie was at a loss for how to care for his wife into an uncertain future.
Freddie sought help from Senior Connections Center, Inc., and received a referral to Empath LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly), a new program from Empath Health. Cynthia was approved to join the Empath LIFE program in March, two months after the program opened.
“I was at my wit’s end,” Freddie said. “I didn’t know what to do. I was basically doing everything, but I knew I needed help. I couldn’t do this for the rest of my life, or the rest of her life. It was a blessing the connection happened.”
About Empath LIFE
LIFE, a managed care program also known as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), is funded through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and state Medicaid. It supports and empowers seniors aiming to maintain independence and quality of life at home. Empath LIFE offers a comprehensive array of services designed to cater to the unique needs of Hillsborough County seniors.
Services Offered
One of the core strengths of Empath LIFE lies in its holistic approach to senior care. Here’s a breakdown of the key services provided:
- Care Coordination: Each senior enrolled in Empath LIFE has a interdisciplinary care team that serves as their advocate and primary point of contact to ensure all aspects well-being are addressed.
- Adult Day Center and Medical Clinic: The Empath LIFE Adult Day Center provides a welcoming, caring and supporting environment for a full scope of medical care and day care with activities, groups, meals, fun and socialization.
- Medical Care: Empath LIFE integrates healthcare services directly into the program, ensuring that seniors receive regular medical check-ups, medication management, physical and occupational therapies, and rehabilitation and access to specialized care.
- Transportation Assistance: Empath LIFE provides round-trip, medically necessary transportation to Empath LIFE Adult Day Center and Medical Clinic and other approved medical appointments.
Finding a Community
Cynthia is picked up every weekday morning at her home and transported to the Empath LIFE Adult Day Center. She spends more than six hours at the center participating in activities that engage her cognitively and physically. She also receives breakfast and lunch.
Empath LIFE Recreational Therapist Kerri Ajdinovich said Cynthia has several close friends among the eight to 11 seniors who regularly attend the day center.
“As you get older, you really start to use that community. Here, you still have that community to go to,” Kerri said.
Freddie agrees. Cynthia’s time at the center also allows him to do things for himself, such as schedule his own medical appointments and recharge so that he can be the caregiver Cynthia needs when she returns home. The cost of Empath LIFE is covered through Cynthia’s Medicaid benefit.
“It is to the point now, like yesterday (Labor Day), she was crying because ‘I miss my buddies,’” Freddie said. “This service is the best thing that could have happened for us. I feel so relieved that the things I used to worry about I don’t have to worry about.”
How to Access Empath LIFE
Seniors interested in joining Empath LIFE can initiate the process by visiting the Empath LIFE website or calling (813) 889-5000, (888) 528-7717 (toll-free) or (800) 955-8771 (hearing impaired). Enrollment typically begins with an initial assessment to determine eligibility and assess individual needs.