Dementia Guide Program Northwest Arkansas

At Visiting Angels, we dedicate ourselves to offering compassionate, individualized in-home care to those in our community affected by dementia. In collaboration with Vesper Medical Care, we are excited to announce the launch of respite care services for dementia caregivers, made possible through the Medicare GUIDE program in Northwest Arkansas. As a certified participant in the GUIDE Model, Vesper Medical Care oversees the medical aspects of dementia care and manages the coordination of the GUIDE program, while our team at Visiting Angels focuses on providing high-quality, compassionate respite care for seniors dealing with dementia.

JUMP TO: What Is the GUIDE Program? | Who Is Approved? | When Does It Start? | Do I Need to Apply?

This groundbreaking program has been created to help families manage and learn more about the challenges of dementia care by offering structured support, education, and access to high-quality home care services across the U.S., including Northwest Arkansas. As part of the dementia GUIDE program in Northwest Arkansas, we are dedicated to not only providing exceptional dementia home care services but also ensuring that families understand:

• How this program works
• Its potential benefits
• Whether it aligns with their needs or the needs of their loved ones

We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the complexities of dementia care. That's why we're here to guide you, offering valuable resources and skilled care to help you make informed decisions that prioritize comfort, dignity, and quality of life. If you would like more information about how the dementia GUIDE program can assist you and your family, reach out to Visiting Angels for more details on our specialized dementia home care services!

What Is The Dementia GUIDE Program?

The dementia GUIDE program, which stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE), is an innovative model created to enhance dementia care. This voluntary national program, launched on July 1, 2024, and set to run for eight years, was developed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Its goal is to improve dementia care by reducing hospital admissions, providing better caregiver support, and allowing individuals with dementia to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

Why Was the GUIDE Model Established?

Dementia care is often fragmented, leaving caregivers and patients overwhelmed by the management of multiple health issues, behavioral symptoms, and daily caregiving challenges. Many caregivers experience significant emotional stress, depression, and financial hardship, which can affect their well-being. The GUIDE program was created to streamline dementia care, improve coordination between caregivers, patients, and healthcare providers, and reduce the burden on caregivers, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for those living with dementia.

Key Features of the GUIDE Model

CMS has reported that the Medicare GUIDE program for dementia has 5 main features to help those with dementia as well as their primary caregivers. These features are:

• 24/7 Support Access - Participants in the dementia GUIDE program receive round-the-clock access to a dedicated support line. They can call this support line for guidance, crisis management with a dementia patient, and other various resources.
• Caregiver Training & Support - Unpaid caregivers gain access to free evidence-based education and training to help them manage the complexities of dementia care with confidence.
• Personalized Dementia Care Plans - A Care Navigator is assigned to each GUIDE Model participant to help coordinate clinical and non-clinical dementia care services, such as:
  • Home care
  • Meal programs
  • Transportation to medical appointments
• Respite Care Services - Caregivers of dementia patients can take advantage of temporary breaks through home-based, adult day centers, or facility-based respite care services offered through the GUIDE Model. Respite care through the dementia GUIDE program helps to sustain long-term caregiving at home.
• Comprehensive Dementia Care Teams - Medicare-enrolled providers, such as Visiting Angels, establish Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) that deliver coordinated and integrative dementia care support ​​for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Screening for Social & Health-Related Needs - Participants are screened for psychosocial and health-related social needs (HRSNs) and connected to community-based organizations in Northwest Arkansas for further information and assistance.

How Does the GUIDE Model Benefit Families In Northwest Arkansas?

By implementing a unified approach to dementia care, the GUIDE Model ensures that families in Northwest Arkansas receive consistent, high-quality in-home care, helping individuals with dementia not only cope with their condition but also thrive. The program reduces the likelihood of nursing home admissions, lowers hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and minimizes healthcare costs for families.

At Visiting Angels, we are proud to participate in this transformative program, providing experienced, kind, and knowledgeable in-home dementia care alongside the extensive resources and support services provided by the Medicare GUIDE program for dementia. Contact our team today to learn more about how the dementia GUIDE program in Northwest Arkansas can help you and your loved ones effectively manage dementia care with confidence and peace of mind.

Who Is Approved For The CMS GUIDE Model In Northwest Arkansas?

The dementia GUIDE program is aimed at individuals living with dementia and their primary caregivers. To be eligible for the program in Northwest Arkansas, beneficiaries must meet the following criteria:

• Confirmed Dementia Diagnosis - The individual must have a diagnosis of dementia, verified by a clinician who is listed on the GUIDE Participant's Practitioner Roster.
• Medicare Coverage - The individual must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and have Medicare as their primary payer. Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (including Special Needs Plans) or PACE programs are not eligible for GUIDE services.
• Not Enrolled in Hospice Care - Individuals who have elected to use the Medicare hospice benefit are not eligible for the dementia GUIDE Model program.
• Not Residing in a Long-Term Nursing Home - The GUIDE program is designed to help people with dementia age in place, meaning remain living in their homes, for as long as possible. Individuals who are already in long-term nursing home care do not qualify for the dementia GUIDE program.

If you or a loved one meets these eligibility requirements, the dementia GUIDE program in Northwest Arkansas can provide essential dementia care services, caregiver support, and access to community resources, which are all aimed at improving quality of life and helping individuals remain at home safely. Contact Visiting Angels today to learn more about enrollment in the GUIDE program and how we can help you through the dementia care journey.

When Does The GUIDE Model Start?

As of July 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began offering the GUIDE Model to eligible individuals with dementia nationwide, including in Northwest Arkansas. This comprehensive program aims to improve care coordination and provide essential support to dementia patients and their families.

However, please note that some services will begin on July 1, 2025.

Do I Need To Apply For the GUIDE Model?

Individuals living at home with dementia and their respective caregivers do not need to apply for the GUIDE program, as the application process is intended for healthcare providers, home care agencies, and health systems. Visiting Angels is already an approved participant in this program due to our partnership with Vesper Medical Care, meaning we can provide eligible individuals with comprehensive dementia care and caregiver support through the dementia GUIDE program in Northwest Arkansas.

If you are interested in learning more about the GUIDE Model, receiving updates, or have questions about how it works, you can contact our team today or access additional resources by contacting CMS by emailing GUIDEModelTeam@cms.hhs.gov.

For personalized dementia care guidance and to see if the GUIDE program is right for you or your loved one, reach out to our team at Visiting Angels in Northwest Arkansas today!