Most older adults share the same heartfelt wish: to stay in their own homes as they age, surrounded by familiar comforts and cherished memories. Yet many families find themselves caught between a senior’s desire for independence and the reality that everyday tasks are becoming harder to manage on their own. The good news is that nursing homes aren’t the only option when your loved one needs extra help—two innovative programs can bridge the gap between complete independence and institutional care.
Naborforce provides flexible, on-demand assistance with errands, transportation, and companionship. At the same time,PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) offers comprehensive medical and social services for those with more complex needs. Understanding how these programs work—separately or together—can help your family create a plan that keeps your loved one safely at home for as long as possible.
Why Staying Home Matters
Familiar surroundings provide emotional comfort and can actually improve physical health outcomes for older adults. When seniors remain in their own homes, they maintain connections to their communities, keep their daily routines, and preserve the independence that gives life meaning. Research shows that aging in place helps people feel more in control of their lives and maintains their sense of dignity.
The need for home-based care options has never been greater as our population ages and more families live far apart. Many adult children want to help but can’t provide round-the-clock assistance while balancing work and their own families. This is where programs like Naborforce and PACE become invaluable—they fill gaps that families simply can’t cover on their own.
Even the most devoted families eventually need backup support. Recognizing this isn’t a failure; it’s a practical step toward ensuring your loved one gets the help they need while you maintain your own health and well-being.
Understanding Naborforce
What Naborforce Offers
Naborforce connects older adults with vetted community helpers called “Nabors” who provide on-demand assistance with everyday tasks. These friendly helpers can run errands, provide transportation to appointments, offer companionship during activities, and lend a hand with light household tasks. Think of Nabors as trusted neighbors who are available when you need them.
It’s essential to understand what Naborforce does NOT provide: personal care services or medical assistance. Nabors won’t help with bathing, dressing, medication management, or medical procedures. The service focuses on practical help and social connection rather than hands-on caregiving.
How Naborforce Works
One of Naborforce’s greatest strengths is its flexibility—no contracts or long-term commitments are required. You can schedule visits as needed, whether that’s once a week for grocery shopping or daily companionship during a difficult time. Each visit requires a minimum of 1 hour, and you’re only billed for the time you actually use.
All Nabors undergo background checks and vetting before joining the network, giving families peace of mind about who’s entering their loved one’s home. The service operates similarly to ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft, where you can request help through an online platform and see which Nabors are available.
The cost structure is straightforward and transparent: approximately $35 per hour on weekdays and $40 per hour on weekends or off-hours in most locations. There’s a $35 monthly membership fee that’s automatically applied to your first visit each month, so you won’t pay extra if you use the service regularly. After the first hour, visits are billed in five-minute increments, so you only pay for what you need.
Who Benefits from Naborforce
Naborforce works best for seniors who need occasional help rather than constant supervision. If your loved one is generally independent but needs backup for specific tasks, this service can be ideal. Perhaps they no longer drive but want to attend church services, or they need someone to help with heavier housework once a week.
Family caregivers also benefit tremendously from Naborforce as a respite option. When you need a break or have other commitments, you can schedule a Nabor to spend time with your loved one, giving you peace of mind that they’re not alone. The average client uses the service for 4 to 6 hours per week, which can significantly reduce caregiver burden.
Active older adults who just need “an extra hand” with certain tasks find Naborforce particularly helpful. These are people who want to maintain their independence but recognize they could use assistance with activities that have become challenging.
Understanding PACE Programs
What PACE Provides
PACE brings together all the medical care and support services an older adult needs under one comprehensive program. Instead of coordinating multiple doctors, therapists, and service providers yourself, an interdisciplinary team manages every aspect of your loved one’s care. This team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, dietitians, and other professionals who meet regularly to discuss each participant’s needs.
For eligible participants, PACE covers all services with no copayments or out-of-pocket costs, making comprehensive care accessible regardless of financial resources. This approach focuses on preventing problems before they become emergencies, which helps participants stay healthier and more independent.
Who Qualifies for PACE
To qualify for PACE, your loved one must be 55 years or older and live in an area where a PACE program operates. Not every community has PACE available yet, so checking whether there’s a program near you is an important first step.
The most significant eligibility requirement is certification that nursing home-level care is needed. This means your loved one needs help with several daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or moving around safely, or has medical conditions requiring regular professional supervision. However, they must also be able to live safely in the community with the right support services in place.
Most PACE participants have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage (called “dual eligible”), which allows them to receive services at no cost. Approximately 90 percent of PACE participants are dually eligible. If your loved one has Medicare but not Medicaid, they can still enroll in PACE, but will pay a monthly premium for the long-term care services.
Services Included in PACE
PACE provides complete medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and all necessary therapies. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available as needed to help maintain function and independence.
Adult day health center activities form the heart of most PACE programs. Participants typically attend the center several days a week for medical monitoring, therapy sessions, nutritious meals, and social activities. Transportation to and from the center and to medical appointments is provided, eliminating one of the most prominent challenges families face.
Home care services are available when participants can’t attend the day center or need additional support at home. This might include nursing care, personal care assistance, or help with daily activities. PACE also provides meals, nutritional counseling, and even hospital or short-term nursing home care when necessary—all coordinated by the same team that knows your loved one well.
Comparing Your Options
Key Differences
Feature
Naborforce
PACE
Type of Service
On-demand practical help and companionship
Comprehensive medical and social care
Eligibility
Anyone who can pay for services
Must be 55+, need nursing home-level care, live in service area
Cost
$35/hour weekdays, $40/hour weekends; $35 monthly membership (credited to first visit)
No cost for dual Medicare/Medicaid eligible; premium for Medicare-only
Medical Care
No medical services provided
Complete healthcare coordination included
Commitment Level
No contract; use as needed
Enrollment required; becomes the primary healthcare provider
Scheduling
Flexible; book visits when needed
Structured schedule at the day center plus coordinated care
Best For
Light, flexible support for independent seniors
Complex medical needs requiring comprehensive coordination
When to Choose Naborforce
Choose Naborforce when your loved one needs help occasionally, not constantly. If they’re managing most daily activities independently but need backup for specific tasks, this flexible option provides just the right amount of support without overwhelming them with services they don’t need.
Naborforce is ideal when medical supervision isn’t required. Your loved one should be medically stable and able to manage their own health needs, with occasional check-ins with their regular doctor.
The lack of contracts and commitments makes Naborforce perfect for families who want to try home-based support without long-term obligations. You can start with just a few hours per week and adjust as needs change, offering flexibility that many traditional caregiving arrangements don’t.
When to Choose PACE
PACE becomes the right choice when your loved one has complex medical needs that require ongoing professional coordination. If you’re juggling appointments with multiple specialists, struggling to manage medications, or spending significant time coordinating care, PACE can lift this burden entirely.
When nursing home placement is being seriously considered, exploring PACE first can provide an alternative. Many families are surprised to learn that someone who qualifies for nursing home care might be able to stay home safely with PACE services in place.
If your loved one qualifies for nursing home-level care and has Medicare and Medicaid coverage, PACE provides comprehensive services without ongoing out-of-pocket costs. This financial relief can be enormous for families worried about depleting their savings to cover care expenses.
Using Both Programs Together
How They Complement Each Other
PACE handles all medical care, therapy, and structured daily support, while Naborforce can fill gaps for spontaneous needs and additional social connection. For example, PACE might provide transportation to the day center three days a week, while a Nabor could take your loved one to their favorite restaurant or help with errands on other days.
Consider a scenario where your mother attends PACE’s day center for medical monitoring and therapy, but she wants to go to her book club meeting on Saturday. A Nabor could provide that companionship and transportation, enriching her social life beyond what the PACE program offers. Or perhaps your father needs someone to sit with him at home on days he’s not feeling well enough to attend the center—Naborforce can provide that flexible support.
Layering these services significantly reduces caregiver burden. Family members can focus on quality time and emotional support rather than managing every logistical detail of daily care.
Building a Complete Support System
Start by honestly assessing what combination of services your loved one needs right now and what they might need in six months or a year. Medical needs often increase gradually, so planning ahead helps you transition smoothly between levels of care.
Many families start with Naborforce when needs are lighter, then add PACE as medical complexity increases. Others enroll in PACE for comprehensive medical management but add Naborforce for extra social activities and flexible support. The key is recognizing that professional services support—not replace—the love and connection that family caregivers provide.
Taking the Next Step
Exploring Naborforce
Visit naborforce.com to check whether the service is available in your area and review local pricing. The website allows you to see how the service works without any obligation to sign up.
When you’re ready, you can schedule a first visit to see how it goes. There’s no pressure to commit long-term—if the service works for your family, you can continue using it; if not, you can stop anytime. During the first visit, expect a friendly Nabor who will work with your loved one on whatever tasks you’ve requested, whether that’s grocery shopping, companionship, or help with light household tasks.
Investigating PACE
The National PACE Association website (npaonline.org) provides a directory of PACE programs organized by state. You can search for programs near your loved one’s home to see if this option is available in their community.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for information about PACE and other community resources. These agencies have staff who can explain eligibility requirements and help you understand whether PACE might be appropriate for your situation.
If you think your loved one might qualify, request an assessment. The evaluation process is thorough but helps determine the exact level of care needed and whether PACE can provide it safely at home.
Creating Your Stay-at-Home Action Plan
Begin the conversation with your loved one about their wishes for the future before a crisis forces hasty decisions. Ask what matters most to them about staying home and what concerns they have about accepting help.
Assess current needs honestly and try to anticipate how they might change. Is your loved one managing well now but struggling with certain tasks? Are there any safety concerns that need to be addressed?
Research all available resources in your community, not just Naborforce and PACE. Your Area Agency on Aging can inform you about meal-delivery programs, transportation services, and other supports that may help your family.
Don’t wait for a crisis to explore your options. The best time to learn about available services is before you desperately need them, when you can make thoughtful decisions rather than rushed ones.
Conclusion
Staying home longer is possible with the right combination of support services tailored to your loved one’s unique needs. Whether Naborforce’s flexible assistance, PACE’s comprehensive care, or a combination of both programs fits your situation, investigating these options empowers your family to plan proactively. With knowledge, resources, and community support, you can help your loved one maintain their independence and dignity in the place they love most—their own home.
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Compassion Crossing Academy — Free and paid online courses are available to teach caregivers, nurses, social workers, chaplains, end-of-life advocates, and educators, including death doulas, how to confidently coordinate complex care.
Currently, there is no official organization regulating end-of-life doulas (EOLDs). Keep in mind that some listed EOLDs in directories might no longer be practicing, so verifying their current status is essential.
End-of-Life Doula Schools
The following are end-of-life (aka death doula) schools for those interested in becoming an end-of-life doula:
Compassion Crossing Academy: While it’s not a dedicated death-doula school, it offers distinctive classes that can help a death doula expand their business. It’s a valuable resource for those eager to grow and deepen their knowledge in this meaningful field.
Remember that there is no official accrediting body for end-of-life doula programs. Certification only shows you’ve completed an unaccredited program and received a graduation certificate. It’s advisable to have discovery sessions with any death doula school you’re considering — regardless of whether it’s listed here — to see if it meets your needs. Also, ask questions and contact references, such as former students, to assess whether the school gave you a solid foundation to start your own death doula practice.
