What is GUIDE?
GUIDE is a FREE Medicare Part B program that provides comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals living with dementia and provides added support for their family caregivers. The goals of GUIDE are to:
- Improve the quality of life for people living with dementia
- Enhance support for caregivers of people living with dementia
- Help people living with dementia stay in their homes and communities longer
Services included
GUIDE is available to traditional Medicare beneficiaries (Part A & B primary) with a dementia diagnosis who do not reside in a nursing home or are enrolled in hospice or PACE. If the individual lives in their residence, independent living, assisted living or assisted living with memory care can apply.
Not sure what type of Medicare you have? No problem - we’ll be able to identify if insurance qualifications can be met within a timely fashion and if so, we’ll walk you through the program process and benefits. Note: you will not be billed by Medicare. This is a free service and does not have copays or any financial responsibilities.
If approved, GUIDE beneficiaries and their unpaid, family caregivers will receive:
- Comprehensive assessment & care plan development
- Dementia diagnosis - you do not need a formal diagnosis to apply
- Caregiver support
- Respite services (for those with moderate to severe dementia)
- 24/7 access to a care team or helpline
- Ongoing monitoring & support
- Access to resources, education and counseling
- Medication review
The GUIDE Model is more than just respite services. It is a connected benefit that supports the entire family because it is just as important that the family caregiver is supported, as is the individual living with dementia.
This approach helps people with dementia remain safely in their homes longer, potentially delaying or preventing the need for nursing home placement. It also seeks to enhance the quality of life for both individuals with dementia and their unpaid caregivers.
GUIDE in-home respite care
Caregiving comes with a multitude of demands that can be alleviated with respite care. If approved for GUIDE and its respite benefit, you can expect:
- Care provided in four-hour increments.
- Coordinated services between you and ComForCare. We will work together to develop a schedule that works for you and your loved one.
- Respite care day or night.
- Care by dementia-trained caregivers through DementiaWise.
- Services to include showering, dressing, laundry, meal prep, medication reminders and companionship.
- To take a break while we care for your loved one.
How it works. Get started today by following these steps:
- Contact your local ComForCare office who will begin the process.
- The family and person with dementia will meet with our partner, who will provide an educational session, insurance review and will enroll you into the program.
- Next, the family and individual with dementia is assigned a Care Navigator who will complete the care delivery services as part of the GUIDE benefit.
- If approved for respite care, we will coordinate a schedule of services directly between the family caregiver and agency. There is no out of pocket expenses or deductibles.
- Families may choose to engage in additional private pay in-home care services above and beyond what GUIDE benefits cover.
Receive the support you need for Alzheimer’s and dementia care
At ComForCare, we are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones navigate the challenges of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Our compassionate agency understands the complexities of dementia-related behaviors and are committed to fostering a strong partnership with family caregivers. We collaborate with you to create personalized strategies for daily routines and self-care for your loved one. Plus, we’re always available to answer your questions, provide valuable resources, and offer expert guidance on in-home care.
Call us today to learn more about GUIDE and start the enrollment process.
