Comprehensive Support for People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming — especially as needs change over time. Age Central’s GUIDE Dementia Care Program provides coordinated, compassionate support for individuals living with dementia and the family members who care for them.
GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It is a new Medicare model designed to improve quality of life, reduce caregiver stress, and help people with dementia remain safely supported in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
For eligible individuals, GUIDE services are fully covered by Traditional Medicare.
What Is the GUIDE Program?
GUIDE is a comprehensive dementia care model that brings together care coordination, caregiver support, clinical guidance, and respite services — all working alongside your existing doctors and providers.
When someone enrolls in GUIDE through Age Central, they gain access to a dedicated care team that helps coordinate services, monitor changes, and support both the individual and their caregiver throughout the dementia journey.
GUIDE does not replace your primary care physician or specialists. Instead, it adds an extra layer of community-based support focused on safety, communication, and caregiver well-being.
How GUIDE Helps Seniors and Families
Dedicated Care Navigation
Each enrolled family is connected with a named Care Navigator who serves as a consistent point of contact. The Care Navigator checks in regularly, helps solve day-to-day challenges, and connects families to local resources.
Caregiver Education and Support
Family caregivers receive practical coaching, planning tools, and ongoing guidance to help manage daily care, reduce stress, and navigate changes with confidence.
Respite Care for Caregivers
Eligible families may receive up to $2,563 per year in respite services, which can be used for:
- In-home private duty care
- Adult day programs
- Short-term overnight or facility-based respite
This support allows caregivers to take needed breaks while ensuring quality care continues.
24/7 Clinical Support Line
Families have access to a 24/7 phone line staffed by geriatric-trained professionals who can help address urgent questions, changes in condition, or after-hours concerns — often preventing unnecessary emergency room visits.
Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention
The GUIDE team performs regular check-ins and proactive screenings to identify changes early, support safety, and promote stability in daily life.
A Person-Centered Approach to Dementia Care
At Age Central, we believe dementia care should support daily living — not just manage symptoms.
Through GUIDE, seniors and families receive:
- Individualized assessments focused on safety, wellness, and daily functioning
- Customized care plans created by a multidisciplinary team
- Coordinated communication across providers and caregivers
- Structured medication reviews and ongoing follow-up
Our approach emphasizes dignity, independence, and clear communication at every stage.
Who Is Eligible?
An individual may qualify for the GUIDE program if they:
- Are enrolled in Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) as their primary coverage
- Have a confirmed or suspected dementia diagnosis
- Have a family member or informal caregiver involved in their care
- Are not enrolled in Medicare Advantage, PACE, or hospice
- Do not reside in a long-term skilled nursing facility
Eligibility is confirmed through a simple screening process with Age Central.
How Enrollment Works
- Eligibility Screening
- Our team reviews key details to determine whether GUIDE may be a good fit.
- Personalized Care Assessment
- A one-time structured assessment helps us understand memory, safety, health, and caregiver needs.
- Medicare Review and Start of Services
- Once approved, most families begin receiving support quickly — often within a short timeframe.
Working Together with Your Doctors
GUIDE is designed to strengthen — not replace — existing medical care.
Age Central partners with physicians and specialists to:
- Share updates and observations between visits
- Support early identification of changes or concerns
- Coordinate referrals, equipment needs, and specialist access
- Keep families and providers aligned
This collaborative approach improves communication, reduces fragmentation, and supports better outcomes.
Community Partnerships That Strengthen Care
Age Central delivers the GUIDE program in partnership with trusted community organizations, including:
- Local public health partners
- Community-based aging and dementia organizations
- Adult day and respite care providers
These partnerships help ensure services are accessible, coordinated, and responsive to local needs.
Ready to Learn More?
If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, Age Central is here to help you understand your options. You may check eligibility by clicking the link below
Or, you may contact Age Central to learn more:
Phone: 309-674-2071
Email: info@agecentral.org
There is no cost to check eligibility, and enrollment does not change your existing Medicare coverage or providers.