GUIDE PROGRAM

Improving the dementia experience for patients and their caregivers

Care Associates has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in its GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), a new, alternative case management, care coordination, and medical care model designed to support patients living with dementia and their caregivers.

What is the GUIDE Program?

The GUIDE Model focuses on comprehensive, coordinated care and aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia, reduce strain on their unpaid caregivers, and enable them to remain in their homes and communities longer. It will achieve these goals by providing funding for personalized, comprehensive care coordination and management, caregiver education and support, and respite services.

THE GUIDE PROGRAM INCLUDES

GUIDE Program Benefits

Comprehensive Assessment

Eligible beneficiaries and their caregivers undergo an initial comprehensive assessment, followed by annual survey-based evaluations. These assessments help identify individual needs and develop a personalized care plan.

Referral & Support Coordination

A Care Navigator helps patients and caregivers connect with valuable community-based resources and services.

Care Plan

An individualized care plan is carefully designed to align with the goals, preferences, and needs of patients and their caregivers.

Caregiver Support

Caregivers can participate in educational classes and patients benefit from access to respite services at home, at overnight, or at adult day care facilities, helping to lighten the demands and responsibilities of caregiving.

24/7 Access

Patients and caregivers have round-the-clock access to a helpline for continuous support and assistance.

Ongoing Monitoring & Support

Care Associates provides long-term support for patients and caregivers, allowing them to review and update their goals and needs upon enrollment and on an on-going basis.

Medication Management

A clinician ensures medications are reviewed and reconciled as needed, while care navigators provide helpful tips for maintaining an accurate and safe medication schedule.

Care Coordination & Transition

Care navigators help refer patients to specialists when additional health concerns arise, helping provide seamless, coordinated support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Get answers.

Am I eligible for the GUIDE Program?

You may be eligible for services under the GUIDE Model if you meet the following criteria:

• Dementia Diagnosis: You have a confirmed dementia diagnosis, verified by a Care Associates clinician reviewing your medical history and available records. You must also reside within the designated zip code-based service areas.

• Medicare Coverage: You have Traditional Medicare Parts A and B as your primary health insurance and are not enrolled in Medicare Advantage (including Special Needs Plans) or a PACE program.

• Hospice Status: You are not enrolled in the Medicare hospice benefit.

• Living Situation: You do not reside in a nursing home. However, you may qualify if you live in an assisted living or group home facility, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

• Consent to Services: You agree to receive GUIDE Program services, including medical care, through Care Associates. Participation in the program does not limit your your ability to seek care from any other providers or suppliers.

If I am eligible for GUIDE program, what can I expect?

If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, please call our office at 504-457-2200 and ask to speak with a care navigator.

The GUIDE program is voluntary and requires your authorization for enrollment. Our care navigators will collect your contact information, confirm your eligibility, and schedule a home or telehealth visit with one of our providers to complete the required initial comprehensive assessment.

Can I still enroll for GUIDE with Care Associates if I already have a primary care provider?

Yes, you can keep your current primary care provider, or choose Care Associates as your new primary care provider. You will also continue to have access the specialty physicians participating in your care.

How do I enroll in the GUIDE program?

You can refer yourself for enrollment only through a participating provider like Care Associates. If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you can contact Care Associates for sponsorship and assistance with the screening and enrollment process.

Browse Our Services Guide

We are excited to share our new booklet, highlighting Care Associates’ multidisciplinary approach to enhancing elder care outcomes while providing reassurance to families, providers, and payers.

View Guide