The Penn Memory Center is now enrolling patients and their caregivers in the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model, a new national Medicare program designed to improve care for people living with dementia and increase support for their caregivers.
Dementia affects millions of individuals across the United States, with that number expected to rise sharply over the coming decades. Despite its prevalence, many patients do not receive consistent, coordinated dementia care. Unpaid caregivers often carry the burden alone, which can have negative impacts on both patients and caregivers.
To address this, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the GUIDE model in July 2024. Over eight years, the initiative will test a new approach to dementia care delivery, with a focus on personalized planning, caregiver support, and home and community-based services. Penn Medicine is one of 330 organizations nationwide selected to participate.
As part of the program, patients enrolled at Penn Memory Center will be assigned a care navigator to coordinate appointments, communicate with other members of the care team, and access community services. Patients also have an annual comprehensive exam done by a dementia specialist and a personalized written care plan.
Caregivers will benefit from education, 24/7 access to a care team member, and Medicare-covered respite services (subject to an annual cap) designed to ease the demands of care.
Enrollment is open to eligible individuals living in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery counties. The reach area is expected to expand as the program grows.
To learn more or begin the enrollment process, visit pennmemorycenter.org/guide.