General Information
What is the GUIDE program?
GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It’s a nationwide Medicare program created to make life better for people living with dementia—and the people who care for them. Launched in 2024, this program provides personalized care, caregiver education, support, and breaks (called respite care) so families can feel more supported at home.
Who can join the GUIDE Program?
GUIDE is open to people living with dementia who have traditional Medicare, including those who also have Medicaid. It also supports their unpaid caregivers—usually family members or friends.
How does the program support caregivers?
Caregivers get:
- A care team to help with planning and questions
- Training and education about dementia
- 24/7 access to support
- Help finding community services (like transportation or meals)
- Respite care paid for by the GUIDE program*—time off when they need a break
*Subject to an annual cap of $2500
Getting Started
How do I sign up?
You don’t need a referral to enroll.
Call the Penn Memory Center at 215-662-7810 and select option 6 for the GUIDE program.
When you call, have this info ready:
- Your Medicare insurance details
- The name and contact info for your caregiver (if you have one)
If you’re eligible, we’ll schedule a visit with a dementia specialist. With your approval, we’ll then enroll you in the Penn Medicine GUIDE program.
What if my current doctor isn’t part of GUIDE?
You can still participate! If your provider isn’t involved in GUIDE, you can still enroll in a GUIDE program in your area. Use the GUIDE website to find participating providers near you.
Who is eligible for GUIDE?
You may qualify for GUIDE if:
- You have a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of dementia
- You are enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B (not Medicare Advantage or PACE). Learn more here.
- Medicare is your primary insurance
- You are not enrolled in hospice
- You are not living in a long-term nursing home
When does GUIDE start?
Penn Medicine’s GUIDE program will begin offering services on July 1, 2025.
How GUIDE Helps
How does GUIDE help people living with dementia?
The program focuses on keeping people safe, comfortable, and independent at home for as long as possible. By coordinating care and improving symptom management, GUIDE aims to improve patient quality of life.
How does GUIDE help caregivers?
Caregivers get the support, tools, and breaks they need to keep going—without burning out.
What services does GUIDE provide?
With GUIDE, you’ll have access to:
- A dedicated Care Navigator to guide your care
- Caregiver training, resources, and support groups
- Respite care at home or in adult day centers (up to $2,500 per year)
- Help identifying social and health-related needs
- Connections to local programs (like food delivery or senior transportation)
What is a Care Navigator?
Think of your Care Navigator as your main guide. They’re here to answer questions, help you coordinate care, and connect you to services and resources that fit your needs.
What is respite care?
Caring for someone with dementia can be overwhelming. Respite care gives caregivers short breaks by providing temporary care for their loved one. This care can happen at home or in an adult day center. Through GUIDE, Medicare pays for up to $2,500 per year for respite care. If more support is needed, your care team will help find other options.
Learn More
Where can I find more information?
Penn Medicine’s GUIDE Program builds on the proven Care Ecosystem model. You can also check out the GUIDE Dementia Pathways Infographic (PDF) to see how it works step-by-step.