Are you or a family member grappling with the challenges of dementia care?
The number of Americans living with dementia reached over 6.7 million in 2023, and this figure is expected to climb to 14 million by 2060 [1].
Families often face a lack of support and training, which can lead to higher hospitalization rates for the person with dementia and depression for the family care partner [1].
To address this growing need, a new federal initiative is making high-quality dementia care more accessible and affordable.
A New Era of Support: The GUIDE Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model in July 2024 [1]. This program is a significant development for dementia care in the United States.
Covered under Medicare Parts A and B, the GUIDE program provides funding for essential services. This allows individuals living with dementia to remain safely in their homes for a longer period, improving their quality of life [1].
ComForCare’s Role in Delivering Respite Care
ComForCare, a provider of in-home caregiving services, announced its participation in the GUIDE program as a subcontractor [1]. This allows ComForCare’s franchise locations to bring awareness of the program to communities and deliver Medicare-funded respite services to families across the nation.
ComForCare has a long history of providing person-centered dementia care through its specialized DementiaWise® program. This program focuses on social stimulation, condition monitoring, and thoughtful companionship [1].
What Services Are Available?
Families approved for the GUIDE program’s respite benefit can receive a range of services to support both the individual with dementia and their caregiver. These services are designed to provide relief for caregivers and professional support for their loved ones.
| Service/Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Respite Care | Care is provided in four-hour increments, available day or night, offering flexible support for families [1]. |
| Personalized Plans | ComForCare coordinates with families to create personalized care plans tailored to individual needs [1]. |
| Trained Caregivers | Individuals receive support from caregivers trained in ComForCare’s DementiaWise® program [1]. |
| Daily Assistance | Help with daily activities such as showering, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders is included [1]. |
| Additional Support | The program also provides access to counselors, proactive outreach, and care coordination [1]. |
Stephanie Wierzbicka, Director of Strategic Health Programs at ComForCare, highlighted the program’s importance.
“We want to raise awareness that while there is currently no cure for dementia, and only care, programs like GUIDE are making high-quality dementia care affordable to families, easing the journey for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.” [1]
About ComForCare Home Care
Founded in 1996, ComForCare is a premier franchised provider of in-home caregiving services with over 330 independently owned and operated territories in the U.S. and Canada. The company is committed to helping older adults live independently and offers specialized programs for fall risk management and dementia care. ComForCare is part of Best Life Brands and was ranked 402 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list [1].
To learn more about the GUIDE Benefit and ComForCare’s services, visit their website.
References
[1] ComForCare. (2025, September 24). ComForCare Brings Federally Funded Dementia Respite Care to Families Through GUIDE Program. PR Newswire. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comforcare-brings-federally-funded-dementia-respite-care-to-families-through-guide-program-302565159.html
