CMS Launches New Program to Support People with Dementia and their Caregivers
On July 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the launch of the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, a voluntary nationwide model test designed to support people with dementia and their caregivers. The GUIDE Model will be active for 8 years and provides Medicare payments for care coordination and care management, caregiver education and support, and respite services. There are over 400 organizations participating in the model, each establishing dementia care programs (DCPs) with interdisciplinary teams that provide ongoing, longitudinal care and support to people with dementia.
The GUIDE Model establishes a standardized approach to care, with participants having access to caregiver training, education, support services, and a 24/7 support line. Caregivers will additionally have access to a care navigator to help coordinate clinical and non-clinical care services. The model is intended to enable people with dementia to remain in their homes, delaying care facility placement, while also improving the quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia and their caregivers.
In a statement, CMS explained how the GUIDE Model was developed to address common obstacles in dementia care by:
- Defining a standardized approach for participants
- Providing an alternate payment methodology
- Addressing unpaid caregiver needs
- Providing respite services
- Screening for health-related social needs
More information, including a list of participating organizations, is available online at www.cms.gov.