Receiving a dementia diagnosis for a loved one can feel overwhelming. At ComForCare Home Care serving South Bay and Coronado, we understand these challenges and are here to guide you through this journey with compassion and expertise.

Types of Dementia: What You Need to Know

Dementia affects millions of Americans, but not all dementia is the same. Understanding the type your loved one has can help you prepare for their care needs.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It typically begins with memory loss and progresses to affect language, reasoning, and daily activities.

Vascular Dementia occurs when blood flow to the brain is reduced, often following strokes. Symptoms include problems with planning, judgment, and slowed thinking.

Lewy Body Dementia involves abnormal protein deposits in the brain, causing visual hallucinations, movement difficulties, and fluctuating cognitive abilities.

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia develops in individuals who have had Parkinson’s disease for several years. While it shares some similarities with Lewy body dementia, it typically appears after motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity have been present for some time. Symptoms include memory problems, trouble concentrating, and difficulties with visual-spatial tasks.

Frontotemporal Dementia primarily impacts behavior, personality, and language rather than memory, often affecting people at younger ages (45-65).

Mixed Dementia is a combination of types, most commonly Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, especially in those over 80.

The Challenges Families Face

Caring for someone with dementia creates unique burdens: caregiver exhaustion, financial strain, safety concerns, complex care coordination, and lack of respite. Many family caregivers experience burnout while trying to manage everything alone.

The GUIDE Program: A New Medicare Benefit for Dementia Care

GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a revolutionary Medicare program designed specifically to support individuals with dementia and their family caregivers.

Key Benefits:

• $2,563 annual respite care – Professional caregivers provide relief in 4-hour increments
• No cost to beneficiaries – Covered by Medicare Parts A & B with no co-pays
• 24/7 care navigation support – Help is always available when you need it
• Personalized care plans – Tailored to your loved one’s specific needs
• Caregiver education and support – Training, resources, and support groups
• Medication management – Clinical review to prevent interactions
• Care coordination – One team managing all appointments and communications

Who Qualifies?

• Confirmed dementia diagnosis
• Medicare Parts A & B (not Medicare Advantage)
• Not in a nursing home (home, assisted living, or independent living OK)
• Not enrolled in hospice or PACE programs

How ComForCare Steps In

ComForCare South Bay and Coronado is an authorized GUIDE provider, contracted to deliver respite care and comprehensive dementia support services.

What We Offer:

GUIDE Program Support – We handle enrollment, assessments, and provide the respite care services included in the program.

Expert Dementia Care – Our caregivers receive specialized training in dementia care, including validation therapy, redirection techniques, and strategies for managing challenging behaviors with dignity.

Comprehensive Services – Beyond GUIDE, we provide personal care assistance, medication reminders, meal preparation, companionship, transportation, and home safety evaluations.

VA Community Care – We’re also an approved Community Care Network provider for the VA, serving Veterans eligible for home care through their benefits.

Real Impact

The combination of GUIDE and ComForCare’s expertise creates meaningful results: fewer hospital visits, improved quality of life for both patients and caregivers, extended independence at home, and invaluable peace of mind.

Getting Started is Simple

1. Contact us at 619-836-0365 or [email protected]
2. Initial consultation to discuss needs and GUIDE eligibility
3. Enrollment support – We handle the paperwork and assessment
4. Care begins – Access your care team and respite services

Living with dementia is a journey no family should face alone. Whether your loved one has just received a diagnosis or has been living with dementia for years, the GUIDE program and ComForCare’s specialized services can provide the support your family needs.

Contact ComForCare Home Care – South Bay and Coronado

Phone: 619-836-0365
Email: [email protected]
Website: comforcare.com/southeast-san-diego
HCO License: #374700385

Authorized GUIDE program provider and VA Community Care Network provider serving South Bay and Coronado