United Church Homes Selected by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ashley Bills, Corporate Director of Communications & Media Relations
740.525.5703 or [email protected]

United Church Homes Selected by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model

Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model Aims to Increase Care Coordination, Support for Caregivers

Marion, OH (Sept. 6, 2024) Today, United Church Homes announced they have been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, United Church Homes will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

“CMS is excited to partner with United Church Homes under the GUIDE Model,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “GUIDE is a new approach to how Medicare will pay for the care of people living with dementia. The GUIDE participants are envisioning new ways to support not only people living with dementia, but also to reduce strain on the people who care for them, so that more Americans can remain in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.”

Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including: comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care Navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.

“United Church Homes is honored to be selected as a participant in CMS’ GUIDE Model. This innovative program will allow us to enhance the care and support we provide to individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. By focusing on care coordination, education, and access to vital services, we aim to empower families to continue caring for their loved ones at home. Our participation in this model reflects our ongoing commitment to redefining care for older adults, ensuring that every individual receives the compassion, dignity, and support they deserve,” noted Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel, CEO, United Church Homes.

United Church Homes’ participation in the GUIDE Model will help people living with dementia and their caregivers have access to education and support, such as training programs on best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite is being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess its effect on helping caregivers continue to care for their loved ones at home, preventing or delaying the need for facility care.

GUIDE Participants represent a wide range of health care providers, including large academic medical centers, small group practices, community-based organizations, health systems, hospice agencies, and other practices.

This model delivers on a promise in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information on CMS’ GUIDE Model, please visit:
https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide.

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For more than 100 years, United Church Homes has been committed to providing quality housing and services to older adults. Today, UCH is the 19th largest multisite, nonprofit senior living organization in the U.S. according to the 2023 LeadingAge Ziegler 200 ranking, serving nearly 7,000 residents in its more than 90 owned and managed market rate and affordable housing communities in 15 states and two Native American nations. United Church Homes leads with its mission to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace for those it is privileged to serve.