Medicare GUIDE Model for Dementia CareGet Free Support with Caring Friends and PocketRN
Through the Medicare GUIDE Model, eligible families can access unlimited care navigation, 24/7 help lines, caregiver training, and up to 72 hours (76 hours as of 7/1/26) of respite dementia care annually through providers like Caring Friends at no cost. Those with a diagnosis of dementia or suspected dementia who are enrolled in Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) as their primary payer are eligible.
What the Medicare GUIDE Model Provides
With the help of our partner, PocketRN, GUIDE offers ongoing dementia care navigation, practical caregiver education, 24/7 access to your care team, respite assistance for eligible family or unpaid caregivers, and more.
Support
With GUIDE’S Caregiver Education, caregivers are no longer doing everything alone. Gain access to individual coaching, support groups, and skills training to help you manage dementia symptoms.
Simplicity
GUIDE’s Care Navigation helps coordinate doctor appointments, manage medications, arrange caregivers, and handle communication behind the scenes so families can breathe easier.
Confidence
With GUIDE’s 24/7 Helpline Access, a nurse is just a call away, day or night, for life, so that small concerns don’t turn into big problems.
Details About GUIDE Dementia Care & PocketRN
For a helpful overview of eligibility and next steps, read PocketRN’s GUIDE explainer.
Caring Friends’ Role in GUIDE
- Caring Friends helps eligible caregivers schedule annual dementia care respite hours in Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding areas (see full map).
- We coordinate in-home support and keep PocketRN informed so the plan stays aligned.
- We work with PocketRN’s Nurse For Life model so families have a dedicated nurse who checks in, knows their story, and coordinates with physicians, specialists, and community resources.
- When assistance with activities of daily living or health-related tasks is needed, this service should not be authorized and another service, such as personal care, should be considered.
GUIDE Frequently Asked Questions
What are the patient eligibility requirements for GUIDE program?
A patient is eligible to receive services under the GUIDE Model if they meet the following criteria:
- Has dementia, as confirmed by attestation from a clinician on the GUIDE Participant’s GUIDE Practitioner Roster;
- Is enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (not enrolled in Medicare Advantage, including Special Needs Plans, or PACE programs) and has Medicare as their primary payer;
- Is residing in a Private Residence or an approved Residential Care Community that has agreed to partner with a GUIDE Participant (not a long-term nursing home resident and not residing in a Memory Care Unit),
- Has not elected the Medicare hospice benefit, and
- Is not currently aligned to another GUIDE Model parter.
- Note: A patient will not be disqualified from the model based on other Alzheimer’s treatment and/or medications.
How do I sign up for GUIDE services?
Step 1: Check if you meet eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Contact Caring Friends to schedule a comprehensive assessment. Assessments can be made in person or virtually, based on your preference. GUIDE is completely voluntary – you can stop at any time, and your regular Medicare benefits continue as usual. You can still see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
Step 3: Start GUIDE. Your GUIDE doctor or care team will submit your information to CMS to confirm your eligibility. Your GUIDE doctor or care team will notify you if you are officially enrolled.
For more information, see the Fact Sheet for Patients and Caregivers.
You may also contact 1-800-MEDICARE for specific information on questions regarding Medicare benefits.
How to Enroll in the Medicare GUIDE Model
You can either contact Caring Friends or PocketRN to set up GUIDE services.
Have your Medicare card, POA paperwork (if you have it), medication list, and diagnosis documentation (if you have it) handy. If a diagnosis has not been documented, PocketRN can help you take the right steps to obtain one.
Contact Caring Friends
Our experienced team is here to help support your family with GUIDE.
Call PocketRN
Confirm Medicare eligibility and schedule a welcome call. You can let PocketRN know you’d like to work with Caring Friends for respite care if you choose.