New Medicare Support for Dementia Care
Helping Families Navigate Dementia with Personalized Support, Resources, and Relief
A dementia diagnosis affects more than the person living with the disease—it impacts spouses, children, family members, and everyone who helps provide care.
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone.
In partnership with Harmonic Health, the VNA of the Treasure Coast is proud to be an approved provider of the GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model, a new Medicare program designed to support individuals living with dementia and the caregivers who care for them.
As an organization that has served individuals and families throughout our community for more than 50 years, we understand that every dementia journey is unique. The GUIDE Program allows us to provide personalized support, education, and care coordination that helps families feel more confident and connected every step of the way.
What Is the GUIDE Program?
Created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the GUIDE Model provides comprehensive dementia care through personalized care planning, caregiver education, care coordination, and connections to valuable community resources.
The program is designed to help individuals remain as safe and independent as possible at home while ensuring caregivers receive the support they need to continue providing compassionate care.
Dedicated Dementia Care Navigator
At the heart of the GUIDE Program is a dedicated Dementia Care Navigator who serves as a trusted partner throughout your journey.
Your Care Navigator will:
- Help coordinate care and services
- Develop a personalized care plan
- Answer questions and provide ongoing guidance
- Connect you with local community resources
- Help you navigate the healthcare system with confidence
Many families aren’t sure where to begin after a dementia diagnosis. Having one knowledgeable person to guide the process can make all the difference.
Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many caregivers put their own needs aside while managing medications, appointments, behavioral changes, and daily care, often leading to stress and caregiver burnout.
The GUIDE Program provides education and support to help caregivers better understand dementia while building the knowledge and confidence they need to provide care.
Education may include:
- Understanding dementia and disease progression
- Communication strategies
- Managing behaviors
- Home safety recommendations
- Planning for future care
- Caring for yourself as a caregiver
Medicare-Covered Respite Care
Eligible participants will receive $2,500 per year in Medicare-covered in-home respite care.
Respite care can be used while caregivers:
- Attend medical or personal appointments
- Run errands or manage household responsibilities
- Spend time with family and friends
- Rest and recharge
- Take time for their own physical and emotional well-being
No single organization can meet every family’s needs. That’s why the GUIDE Program connects participants with trusted community resources that can provide additional support.
Resources may include:
- Transportation assistance
- Meal programs
- Home safety resources
- Community support services
- Additional local programs based on your family’s needs
The GUIDE Program is available to individuals living with dementia who meet Medicare eligibility requirements, along with their caregivers.
If you have concerns about memory changes, have received a dementia diagnosis, or are caring for a loved one with dementia, we encourage you to reach out. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to ask for help.
Our team can answer your questions, determine eligibility, and help you understand your options.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is living with dementia, compassionate support is just a phone call away.
Call the VNA of the Treasure Coast today at 772-567-5551 to learn more about the GUIDE Program and find out if you may qualify.