Compassionate Support for Dementia Care
Medicare’s new Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model offers comprehensive care coordination for patients and caregivers living with Dementia, as well as access to in-home or facility-based respite care. All of this is available at no cost to Medicare A and B (Traditional Medicare) beneficiaries.
How Guide Supports You and Your Family:
- 24/7 Hotline Access: A special helpline that provides support to caregivers any time of day.
- Respite Services: A way to give family caregivers a temporary, short-term break from their caregiver duties.
- Care Coordination: Assistance with coordinating local community and medical services, in-home safety assessments, and assisting with transportation needs.
- Caregiver Support: Individualized support to address your specific needs and preferences, regular check-ins, and comprehensive caregiver support and education.
Patient eligibility
Eligible Patients
- Traditional Medicare beneficiaries (Part A or B)
- A confirmed dementia diagnosis (including Alzheimer’s, LBD, FTD, vascular dementia, etc.)
- Living at home or in the community
Not Eligible
- Patients with mild cognitive impairment
- Medicare Advantage enrollees
- Living in a skilled nursing facility
- Participating in Hospice or a PACE organization
to Be Contacted By a Guide Specialist Now
GUIDE Frequently Asked Questions
What is GUIDE?
Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) is a new Medicare program that focuses on improving the quality of life of patients living with dementia and their caregivers at no additional cost. The focus is to reduce strain on unpaid caregivers and allow people living with dementia to remain in their homes and communities.
What are the benefits of enrolling in GUIDE?
- 24/7 Hotline Access: A special helpline that provides support to caregivers any time of day.
- Respite Services: A way to give family caregivers a temporary, short-term break from their caregiver duties.
- Care Coordination: Assistance with coordinating local community and medical services, in-home safety assessments, and assisting with transportation needs.
- Caregiver Support: Individualized support to address your specific needs and preferences, regular check-ins, and comprehensive caregiver support and education.
Who qualifies as a caregiver?
A caregiver is any individual who provides regular assistance to a diagnosed person with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. This can include family members or friends who help with daily activities, medical tasks, and emotional support.
What is respite, and how does it work?
As an enrolled GUIDE participant and based on your care needs, you will have access to respite care. Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, giving them time to rest and recharge. There is a $2,500 annual allowance for trained professionals to care for your loved one at home or in a facility for a few hours or several days a week, ensuring continuous support.
Does my insurance cover participation in this program?
GUIDE is a Medicare program. Beneficiaries with Traditional Medicare A & B (not Medicare Advantage) with a confirmed dementia diagnosis may be eligible for participation in GUIDE and receive access to these services at no additional cost.
Elder Options can offer ongoing care outside of the GUIDE program. To see a list of available caregiver supports, visit: https://agingresources.org/services/caregiver-training-and-support/ or call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243
How do I enroll in GUIDE?
To enroll in the GUIDE program, complete the online form for a no-cost call with Elder Options, and we will call you back within two business days. You can also call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 and request to speak with someone about the GUIDE program.
During the first GUIDE call, we will complete an initial program screening. Next, a Community Health Coach will contact you to provide an assessment, explain the program details, including the Medicare enrollment process, and potentially set up a home visit, if required.
How long will it take until I am enrolled in the program?
After the assessment is complete, Elder Options will submit your information for approval to Medicare. We anticipate Medicare approval within approximately 30 days. We will notify you when we receive the updated information.
Does Elder Options provide medical care?
Elder Options is not a medical provider, but we will help you navigate your caregiver journey. We are here to coordinate and support you.
Elder Options can assist with dementia by offering non-medical support designed to help individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. This includes coordinating with your medical team, caregiver education, respite care, referrals to local resources, support groups, and assistance finding services for you and your loved ones.
Elder Options supports your quality of life and care coordination.
