GUIDE Program in NEPA for Seniors with Dementia

Have you heard about the GUIDE Program?

Exciting news for family Caregivers in NEPA: a new Medicare program is now available! Griswold Home Care for NEPA has partnered with certified GUIDE providers to help you access this benefit. Our team can provide the home care portion at no cost and will walk you through every step of the GUIDE program. Simply call (570) 714-4433 to learn more and check your eligibility.

Understanding the GUIDE Program

GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It is an eight-year Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) demonstration program that launched in July 2024. For the first time in Medicare history, the federal government is offering comprehensive, ongoing support to family Caregivers of people living with dementia.

With an estimated 35 to 50 million family Caregivers in the United States, the backbone of our healthcare system is often stretched thin, emotionally, physically, and financially. Without their tireless efforts, the health system would struggle to function, and the costs to Medicare from increased hospitalizations and long-term placements would be staggering. CMS introduced GUIDE as a solution, bundling supports that had never before been available to family Caregivers.

Designed just for families caring for loved ones with dementia, GUIDE offers access to a dedicated support team, a 24/7 helpline, Caregiver education, and extra respite hours, all at no cost. These benefits are in addition to the care you already receive from Griswold Home Care.

GUIDE’s respite hours are especially valuable for families transitioning loved ones into memory care, providing crucial one-on-one support during those challenging first weeks. By removing financial barriers, GUIDE makes high-quality home care accessible when it’s needed most.

What Does the GUIDE Program Include?

GUIDE is a comprehensive care management model. Every enrolled patient and their family Caregiver receives all of the following at no cost:

• A comprehensive assessment and written care plan
• Caregiver training and education on dementia
• Care navigation and coordination across providers
• 24/7 access to a support line
• Up to $2,500 in annual respite care

How Providers and Agencies Work Together

The majority of people living with dementia have never received a formal diagnosis. Once a senior has a confirmed diagnosis, GUIDE provides the support needed. We handle the referral; the family receives a full care management team, and we maintain a feedback loop with clinics on status. Griswold Home Care for NEPA is your local resource, connecting your patient to a credentialed GUIDE provider. You stay in the loop, and seniors are supported!

What Qualifies vs. Does Not Qualify

How GUIDE Works with Other Funding Sources

GUIDE respite dollars are additive. Whatever funding your family already has in place, GUIDE layers on top, without displacing a single authorized hour.

• LTCi: GUIDE dollars do not count against your policy or draw it down faster. Many families forget they even have a policy.
• VA (Aid & Attendance / HH Aide): VA authorizations and GUIDE respite are two independent funding streams for the same client. We coordinate scheduling to avoid overlap.
• Medicaid / other benefits: If another program is funding care, GUIDE adds to it. GUIDE is a separate Medicare benefit. It adds up to $2,500 on top of what you already have, at no cost.

How to Get Started with GUIDE

Call us to see if you qualify; we will walk you through the successful program. You must apply to the GUIDE program through a certified GUIDE provider, but Griswold Home Care can provide the home care portion at no cost to you. Keep in mind Griswold does not diagnose patients; we provide the respite care!

Contact Griswold

If you need support at home, Griswold is here to step in. Contact us today to discuss a personalized in-home care plan tailored to your loved one’s unique needs and preferences. We’re here to help your loved ones Live Assured!