AgeSpan Launches GUIDE Program to Improve Dementia Care and Support Caregivers
AgeSpan is proud to announce a new program designed to improve care for people with dementia and support their unpaid caregivers. The GUIDE Program (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a comprehensive, coordinated dementia care initiative that provides compassionate, person-centered support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this program will be offered through AgeSpan in partnership with CCS Health and Healthspan Partners at no cost to those who qualify.
Nationwide, nearly 7 million people are affected by dementia. CMS estimates that number will rise to 14 million by the year 2060. While the number of people with dementia is rising, the care they receive has not kept pace. They often have many different chronic conditions and the care they receive is not coordinated. This results in more hospitalizations and visits to the emergency room. Many caregivers are providing round-the-clock care, which can take a serious toll mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.
The GUIDE Program aims to address these issues with a new approach.
Coordinated care
- Personalized care plans that adapt as needs evolve.
- Comprehensive assessments to understand the specific challenges and strengths of each individual and caregiver.
- Ongoing support with regular check-ins to help navigate the complexities of dementia care.
- Caregiver services that offer evidence-based training and education on the best ways to care for someone with dementia. This includes support for 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 in a home or in a community setting such as assisted living, a group home, or rest home (not a nursing home)
- Not enrolled in a SCO, One Care, PACE, or hospice
Another key goal of the 8-year pilot program is to reduce out-of-pocket costs by delaying long-term nursing home care and reducing hospital stays. The GUIDE Program 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.
To learn more about this program or to enroll, please contact the Healthy Living Center of Excellence at 978-946-1211 or email hcle@agespan.org.
