theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 26 • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care • Bathing & Hygiene • Med Reminders • Safety Supervision & Fall Prevention • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping • Transition of Care Back Home from Rehab • Chronic Disease Management • Wound Care • And More! WE OFFER: Give us a call to see how we can help! (908) 927-0500 BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Live your best life possible. Helping you stay safe and independent in the comfort of your own home! ver 6.7 million Americans are affected by dementia, and that number is projected to rise to 14 million by 2060. Dementia often leads to fragmented care, multiple chronic conditions, frequent hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. Family caregivers, who provide round-the-clock support, bear the immense physical, emotional, and financial burden. No cure is available and families are often left to struggle to manage this progressive disease on their own. According to the CDC, informal or unpaid caregiving is associated with elevated levels of depression and anxiety, higher use of psychoactive medications, worse self-reported physical health, compromised immune function, and increased risk of early death. Gratefully, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is addressing the urgent need for innovative, compassionate, and effective care solutions. In July 2024, the CMS officially launched a groundbreaking, Medicare Part B initiative, aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their family caregivers. This program is called the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model and is set to roll out nationwide in the coming months. GUIDE provides a comprehensive care model that includes care coordination, personalized care plans, caregiver support, and access to resources designed to ease the burden of navigating dementia care and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. Central to the program is its emphasis on coordinated, person-centered care. The program is entirely free, with no out-ofpocket costs or deductibles. Families can enroll for up to eight years, ensuring continuity of care and support. How GUIDE Works To qualify, Medicare Part B recipients must be evaluated by an approved GUIDE provider. Once a dementia diagnosis is made or confirmed and other eligibility criteria are met, the provider enrolls the participant in the program. When enrolled, participants gain access to services that include: • Comprehensive Assessments: Care Navigators evaluate the individual’s needs and develop a tailored care plan. • Home Safety Evaluations: Experts assess fall risks and create safer living environments. •Ongoing Care Coordination, Monitoring, and Medication Management: Monthly meetings with Care Navigators ensure continuous support and share updates with the primary care physician or neurologist. • Caregiver Support: Education, training, and counseling help caregivers manage dementia-related challenges effectively. • Access to community resources • In-home respite care for caregiver support: up to $2,500 annually for eligible participants. ComForCare Home Care’s Role in GUIDE ComForCare Home Care is an accredited home care agency with years of experience in dementia care. We have been approved to support the GUIDE program by collaborating with CMS-approved providers to deliver essential services, including in-home respite. Our experienced team specializes in dementia care. We are dedicated to guiding families through the complexities of the disease process, reducing caregiver burnout, and improving loved ones’ quality of life. Contact ComForCare Home Care and our team will connect you with an approved provider and help “guide” you through the process! SENIOR HEALTH Medicare’s Breakthrough Program for Dementia Care! By Naomi Noto, RN O ver 6.7 million Americans are af • Access to com care for caregiv for eligible par
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzA2NDY0