GUIDE Model for Dementia Care

What this program is, in plain English

GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It is a Medicare model where a participating practice takes responsibility for coordinating dementia care. You get a named care navigator who is your one point of contact, a 24-hour support line, caregiver training, and a respite benefit of up to $2,500 a year so the family caregiver can rest. You need traditional Medicare, a dementia diagnosis, and a participating provider in your area. Not every part of the country has one yet, so the first question is whether a GUIDE practice serves your county.

What you actually get

A dedicated care navigator, a 24/7 support line, caregiver training, and up to $2,500 a year in respite care.

Who qualifies

• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm
• Requires traditional Medicare Parts A and B, a dementia diagnosis, community residence rather than a nursing home, and a participating GUIDE practice in the area.

What to have ready

• Medicare card
• Documentation of the dementia diagnosis

How to apply

This program is run by Participating provider organizations under the CMS Innovation Center. Most decisions take Enrollment through the participating practice, usually within weeks.