Explore Geriatrics & Healthy AgingGUIDE Program
What Is the GUIDE Program?
GUIDE stands for “Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience.” The GUIDE Program is an innovative Medicare initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for people with dementia by reducing their caregivers' burdens and helping them stay in their homes and communities longer. The program features a Dementia Care Navigator who coordinates care and supports caregivers through education and resource access.
At UConn Health, the GUIDE Program offers a personalized, team-based approach focused on individuals living with dementia, while providing caregivers with the support and relief they need to continue caring confidently.
Patients Receive
- Personalized care planning
- Ongoing symptom management support
- Care coordination across medical providers
Caregivers Receive
- Help navigating medical decisions and care planning
- Education and resources specific to dementia care
- Access to additional respite services when breaks are needed
As a patient’s dementia changes, the GUIDE Program’s support also evolves, ensuring care remains appropriate, responsive, and steady.
Who Is Eligible for the GUIDE Program?
To enroll in the GUIDE program, you must:
- Be diagnosed with dementia
- Have traditional Medicare Parts A and B as your primary insurance
- Live in the community or an assisted living facility
Qualifying patients can access comprehensive GUIDE support at no cost. Before enrolling, families should speak with their primary care physician or neurologist to determine whether GUIDE is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Medicare create this program?
Improving the quality of life of people living with dementia means decreasing unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Medicare recognizes the challenges of providing care for people with dementia and has created a team of dementia care specialists who can work with patients and caregivers between medical visits to identify concerns before they become problems.Do I have to live near UConn Health or change my current doctors?
No. Currently, we are enrolling Connecticut residents in all counties except Fairfield.
You must see a GUIDE provider once a year. However, where you decide to get your ongoing care is entirely up to you. You can keep your current healthcare providers, including your primary care provider and dementia specialists.
What services are provided?
The cornerstone of the GUIDE program is a Dementia Care Navigator who serves as a point person over time to provide education and support to patients and caregivers. The Dementia Care Navigator helps identify areas of need and connects people with local, state, or national resources for support. The program also includes an education series and support groups for caregivers, which are available in person or virtually.
Understanding that caregivers need respite, Medicare provides caregivers of people with moderate to severe dementia $2,500 annually for respite care with one of our community partner agencies. Respite care can be provided at home or at an adult day center. The GUIDE program is not a home care agency and does not provide companions, homemakers, or aids, but we do have trusted community partners who can provide respite care.
What will the GUIDE program cost me?
Nothing! GUIDE services are free for eligible patients and their caregivers.Will I lose any of my other benefits if I enroll in the GUIDE program?
No, GUIDE is an additional layer of support and does not replace state or VA benefits.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
UConn Health hosts a monthly support group for caregivers supporting persons living with dementia. The group is free and open to the public. Two social workers with many years of dementia care experience lead the group. Please join us!
When: First Tuesday of each month; 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 195 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT (Directions)
If you have any questions, contact Michelle Wyman, LSW, CDP, at 860-679-3235.