GUIDE Program
Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience: Supporting Families with Dementia Care at Home.
What is GUIDE?
GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a new Medicare program that aims to improve care for people living with dementia and provide comprehensive support to their caregivers.
Hearts for Dementia is honored to be one of nearly 400 organizations nationwide selected to participate in this groundbreaking initiative.
We are navigating dementia together:
Hearts for Dementia is partnering with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the innovative Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model.
GUIDE Services & Benefits
Personalized Dementia Care
- Comprehensive, annual assessments
- Written care plans designed specifically for you
- Care coordination with specialists
- Connect members with medical and community resources
- Social and wellness activities (community social gatherings for connection)
Caregiver Support
- Training and education on best practices
- Access to support groups and counseling
- Emotional and practical support resources
Respite Services
- Financial support for respite care expenses, up to $2500.00 per year.
- In-home care assistance
- Temporary breaks for caregivers to rest and recharge
Dedicated Care Navigator
- Personal guide through the healthcare system
- Help finding and accessing services
- Coordination with community organizations
- Connects families to available resources
- Someone to answer questions and provide guidance
24/7 Support
- Round-the-clock access to care team members
- Dedicated help line for questions or concerns
- Crisis support when you need it most
“The desire is to keep people with dementia in their homes or with loved ones for as long as possible. The GUIDE Model gives access to the necessary support services that are crucial in making that desire a reality.”
- Lolita Tramel, Owner & Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Hearts for Dementia
Who Can Join GUIDE?
- Dementia Diagnosis
- Medicare Coverage
You are enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B.
- Primary Insurance
- Living Situation
How to Enroll
No referral is needed! Just follow these simple steps:
1) Contact Us
Call or email Hearts for Dementia to express your interest in the GUIDE program.
- 480-720-9038
- info@heartsfordementia.com
2) Share Information
Be ready to provide your Medicare insurance info and caregiver contact (if applicable).
3) Assessment
If eligible, you’ll be scheduled for a comprehensive assessment with our dementia specialists.
4) Enrollment
You will be enrolled in the GUIDE program!
Contact Us
Schedule an Appointment Today.
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GUIDE: Frequently Asked Questions
General
GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a nationwide Medicare initiative, launched in 2024, designed to improve day-to-day life for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The program delivers personalized care planning, caregiver education and coaching, connections to local services, and paid respite so families get more support at home.
More about the CMS GUIDE Model:
https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide
GUIDE serves people with a clinician-confirmed dementia diagnosis who have traditional Medicare (Parts A & B), this includes people who also have Medicaid. The program also supports unpaid caregivers (usually family or friends).
Getting started
No referral is required. Call or email Hearts for Dementia at:
- 480-720-9038
- info@heartsfordementia.com
When you call, have your Medicare insurance details handy and the name/contact information for your caregiver (if you have one). If you qualify, the team will arrange a visit with a dementia specialist and enroll you in the GUIDE program.
Yes. You can still enroll in the Hearts for Dementia GUIDE program even if your regular
clinician isn’t participating.
The Hearts for Dementia GUIDE program began providing services on July 1, 2025.
Eligibility
- You have a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
- You are enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B (this does not include Medicare Advantage or PACE).
- Medicare is your primary insurance.
- You are not currently enrolled in hospice and are not living in a long-term nursing facility.
Support for caregivers
GUIDE offers caregivers a care team for planning and questions, dementia education and training, 24/7 support access, help locating community resources (like transportation and meal programs), and paid respite to allow short-term relief.
Services provided
- A dedicated Care Navigator to coordinate care and answer questions.
- Caregiver training, education, resource materials, and support groups.
- Respite care paid by GUIDE, up to $2,500 per year.
- Screening and assistance for social and health-related needs.
- Referrals and connections to local programs.
A Care Navigator is your primary point person in GUIDE. They help organize care, connect you with services, and guide you through next steps based on your needs.
Respite care offers short-term relief for caregivers by providing temporary care for the person with dementia, either at home or in an adult day setting. GUIDE covers respite up to $2,500 annually; if additional support is needed, your care team will help explore other options.