A Game-Changing Benefit for Families Facing Dementia by Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, Emory Integrated Memory Care

If you or a loved one is living with dementia and have traditional Medicare (Part A/Part B), there's exciting news that could transform your care experience. A groundbreaking new program called GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) launched in July 2024, and it's already making a tremendous difference for families in our community.

What Makes GUIDE Special?

GUIDE isn't just another healthcare initiative – it's a comprehensive approach that recognizes dementia affects the entire family, not just the person diagnosed. Through GUIDE, Medicare now covers coordinated dementia care services that were previously unavailable or unaffordable for most families.

The program provides three essential components: dedicated care coordination to navigate the complex care system, extensive caregiver education, support to help families feel confident and prepared, and respite services that give caregivers the breaks they desperately need.

Real Benefits for Real Families

Imagine having a dedicated care team that knows your loved one's medical needs and works to address challenges wholistically. Picture receiving practical training on how to communicate effectively with someone who has dementia or learning techniques to manage challenging behaviors at home. Think about having access to respite care so you can attend your grandchild's graduation or simply take a much-needed afternoon for yourself.

These aren't luxuries – they're necessities that GUIDE now makes accessible through Medicare. Families living with dementia report feeling less overwhelmed, more confident in their caregiving abilities, and better able to help their loved ones remain safely at home longer when they have access to these supportive services.

Why Experience Matters

At Integrated Memory Care (IMC), we didn't just join the GUIDE program when it launched – we helped Medicare create the policy framework that makes GUIDE possible. As the founder and director, I've seen firsthand how fragmented dementia care can leave families feeling abandoned and confused. That's why we built our practice differently.

We're unique because we integrate primary care geriatrics, dementia specialty care, and comprehensive caregiver services all under one roof. When GUIDE officially launched on July 1, 2024, we were ready because this comprehensive, coordinated approach has been our mission all along.

Getting Started is Simple

If you have traditional Medicare and are dealing with dementia – whether newly diagnosed or managing ongoing care – you may be eligible for GUIDE services at no additional cost. The program is designed to work alongside your existing Medicare benefits, not change or replace them.

The key is finding a provider with deep experience in the program. Since we helped develop GUIDE and have been implementing it since its inception, our team understands not just the services available, but how to maximize their impact for each family's unique situation.

Don't navigate this journey alone. GUIDE represents the future of dementia care – comprehensive, coordinated, and covered by Medicare. If you're ready to experience the difference that expert, integrated care can make, we're here to help guide you through every step.

Read more about IMC’s outpatient clinic at Executive Park, the house calls practice in select senior living communities, and GUIDE program at www.nursing.emory.edu/imc or call 404-712-6929 to learn more. The IMC Community program hosts a monthly information session for families to hear from other families. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bd7j5fv5

Learn more: https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/integrated-memory-care-clinic

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