A new program that aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers is now available to Massachusetts residents.

Local nonprofit Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is proud to announce the GUIDE program (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience). GUIDE pairs participants with a personal care navigator who can connect them with local community resources such as home-delivered meals and transportation to medical appointments. Family caregivers receive education on supporting a person living with dementia and may qualify for a yearly allowance of respite services so they can rest and recharge.

The GUIDE program is funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and will be offered by AgeSpan in partnership with CCS Health and Healthspan Partners. GUIDE will be delivered to residents across Massachusetts through the AgeSpan Regional Care Collaborative, which encompasses 17 other community-based organizations, including SCES. The program is free for those who qualify.

“The GUIDE Program is a more comprehensive approach to dementia care,” said Healthy Living Center Director Melissa Cloutier. “With more coordinated care for people living with dementia and education, training, and time off support for caregivers, this program addresses challenges faced by the growing number of people across the country impacted by dementia.”

Nationwide, nearly 7 million people are affected by dementia. CMS estimates that number will rise to 14 million by the year 2060. While the number of people living with dementia is rising, the care they receive has not kept pace. Many people with dementia also live with multiple chronic conditions, yet their care remains fragmented. As a result, they experience higher rates of hospitalization and emergency room visits. To manage these challenges, caregivers often have to provide round-the-clock care, which can take a serious toll mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.

The GUIDE Program aims to address these issues with a new approach to care, including:

• Personalized care plans that adapt as needs evolve.
• Comprehensive assessments to understand the specific challenges and strengths of each individual and caregiver.
• Ongoing support with regular check-ins to help navigate the complexities of dementia care.
• Caregiver services that offer evidence-based training and education on the best ways to care for someone with dementia. This includes support for time off.
  “The GUIDE program can empower caregivers to navigate and provide high-quality care for complex diagnoses,” said Nina Cohen, SCES Senior Director of Caregiver & Family Support Programs. “As caregiving demands grow, we are excited to offer programs like GUIDE to help caregivers thrive in their roles and maintain their own well-being.”

To qualify, an individual must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. They must have Medicare Parts A and B as their primary source of health insurance. Individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage, Hospice, or the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) are not eligible for this program.

To learn more about this program or to enroll, please contact Nina Cohen, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Senior Director of Caregiver & Family Support Programs, at nina.cohen@eldercare.org or 617-628-2601.

About Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is a Massachusetts nonprofit agency that has supported the independence and well-being of older adults and adults of all ages with disabilities in Somerville and Cambridge for the past 55 years. SCES offers free advice and guidance on questions of aging, caregiving, and disability through its Community Support Center which can be reached at 617.628.2601 or via email at info@eldercare.org.