This week, I’m excited to share some wonderful news about a new program at AgeSpan that will make a real difference for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
The GUIDE Program, which stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, is a new initiative that provides compassionate, person-centered care for people with dementia and greater support for their caregivers. Funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the GUIDE Program will be offered through AgeSpan in partnership with CCS Health and Healthspan Partners at no cost to those who qualify.
The number of people affected by dementia across the country continues to grow, but the care available hasn’t always kept up. Many people with dementia live with multiple health conditions and the care they receive is often not well coordinated, leading to more hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Caregivers are often providing round-the-clock care, which can take a serious toll mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.
The GUIDE Program is designed to address these challenges with a more coordinated approach to care, including:
- Personalized care plans that adapt as needs change.
- Comprehensive assessments to understand the specific challenges and strengths of each individual and caregiver.
- Ongoing support with regular check-ins to help families navigate the complexities of dementia care.
- Caregiver services that include training, education, and respite support so caregivers can take needed time off.
To qualify, an individual must have a diagnosis of mild, moderate, or severe dementia and meet the following conditions:
- Enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A & B (not enrolled in Medicare Advantage)
- Live at home or in a community setting such as assisted living, a group home, or rest home (not a nursing home)
- Not enrolled in Senior Care Options (SCO), One Care, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), or hospice
The GUIDE Program is an eight-year pilot program that fits perfectly with AgeSpan’s mission – to help people living with dementia enjoy a better quality of life while easing the burden on their caregivers – so more people can live comfortably at home longer.
For more information on the GUIDE Program, please contact the Healthy Living Center of Excellence at 978-946-1211 or email hcle@agespan.org.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
