PATIENTS & CAREGIVERS

Fast Access to Expert 
Dementia Care

As an Established Program for the GUIDE model, we offer specialized services at no additional cost to eligible Medicare beneficiaries in all 50 states.

Book Your No-Cost Consultation

(708) 249-5450

What is GUIDE?

Medicare’s new Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model offers comprehensive care coordination for patients and caregivers living with Dementia, as well as access to in-home or facility-based respite care. All of this is available at no cost to Medicare beneficiaries.

We understand the challenges, and we’re here to help

Cognitive decline touches families in varied ways. Whether you’re newly diagnosed and unsure of next steps, caring for a spouse of many years, or balancing the needs of a young family and an elderly parent, we’re here to help.

Connect With Your Personal
Care Navigator

Dedicated care navigation available to help manage care, schedule appointments, access services, and navigate home-based or community support for you and your caregivers.

Caregiver and Family Support

Eligible beneficiaries can access respite care, community services, future planning, caregiver education, and more at no additional cost.

Specialized Cognitive Care Team

Access expert dementia care with personalized plans for diagnosing and treating dementia symptoms.

The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) program offers comprehensive care coordination for patients and caregivers living with Dementia, as well as access to in-home or facility-based respite care. All of this is available at no cost to Medicare beneficiaries.

Experience personalized care from the comfort of home

Quick
Appointments

See specialized neurologists, behavioral health providers, and more within a week of consultation

Covered
Visits

Eligible Medicare beneficiaries can access  care at no additional cost with all insurance needs handled by our specialists

24/7
Access

We’re here for patients, caregivers, and families around the clock

Respite Care
Services

Eligible beneficiaries can receive approximately 80hrs/year of Respite Care covered by CMS for unpaid caregivers

Wraparound
Support

From respite care coverage to caregiver support, mental health, insurance benefits, and more

Specialized Cognitive
Care Team

Expert clinical care to support diagnosis and treatment of physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms of Dementia

Meet our expert clinicians, here for you at every step of the journey

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Amanda Fletcher

MD

Cognitive Care Service Line Director

View bio

Elizabeth Ferluga

MD

Director of Movement Disorders

View bio

Benjamin Williams

MD, FAAN

Cognitive Neurologist

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Patient eligibility

Eligible Patients

Traditional Medicare beneficiaries with a confirmed dementia diagnosis (including Alzheimer’s, LBD, FTD, vascular dementia, etc.)

Living at home or in the community

Not Eligible

Patients with mild cognitive impairment

Medicare Advantage enrollees

Living in long-term care

Participating in Hospice or a PACE organization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GUIDE?

Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) is a new Medicare program that focuses on improving the quality of life of patients living with dementia and their caregivers at no additional cost. Beginning July 1st, this 8-year initiative focuses on dementia care management to reduce strain on unpaid caregivers and enable people living with dementia to safely remain in their homes and communities.

What are the benefits of enrolling in GUIDE?

Enrolling in the GUIDE program through Synapticure offers many benefits, including:

  • 24/7 Phone Line: Access to a helpline with triage support available at any time.
  • Respite Care: Up to 80 hours per year of respite care covered by CMS, providing temporary relief for unpaid caregivers.
  • Local Services Coordination: Assistance in scheduling visits, arranging transportation, and coordinating local services.
  • Care Coordination: Help with medication and meal deliveries, in-home safety assessments, and comprehensive caregiver support and education
Who qualifies as a ‘caregiver’?

A caregiver is any individual who provides regular assistance to a person with dementia, Alzheimer's, or any other condition. This can include family members or friends who help with daily activities, medical tasks, and emotional support.

What are the benefits for caregivers and family members?

Caregivers and family members benefit from the GUIDE program in several ways:

  • Respite Services: Temporary relief options that allow caregivers to rest and recharge while ensuring continuous care for their loved ones.
  • 24/7 Helpline: A dedicated helpline available for any questions or concerns, offering round-the-clock support and guidance.
  • Comprehensive Support: Coordinated care involving specialists and healthcare providers, including mental health professionals, to support the caregiver’s role.
  • Care Navigtation: Help from care navigators to arrange local services such as meal delivery, transportation, and community support.
  • Educational Resources: Access to educational classes that provide valuable knowledge and skills for effective caregiving.
What is respite care and how does it work?

Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, giving them time to rest and recharge. This service allows a trained professional to care for your loved one at home or in a facility for a few hours or several days a week, ensuring continuous support.

If the 80 hours of complimentary respite care are exceeded, you can continue using respite services at local rates. The choice of respite service is based on geographic location and available partnerships. You may also select your preferred company or facility for respite care.

Does my insurance cover participation in the program?

GUIDE is a Medicare program. Beneficiaries with Traditional Medicare (not Medicare Advantage) with a suspected or confirmed dementia diagnosis may be eligible for participation in GUIDE and receive access to these services at no additional cost.

Synapticure can offer ongoing care outside of the GUIDE program. We are in-network with major insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid. On average, most in-network visits cost $0-40.

How do I enroll in the program?

To enroll in the GUIDE program, book a no-cost consultation with Synapticure. During this visit, we will assess your eligibility for the GUIDE program and submit the assessment to Medicare for approval. If accepted, you will may be able to participate in the program. If not, Synapticure can still provide ongoing care and wrap-around support.

How long will it take until I am enrolled in the program and able to use respite?

There is an approval period by Medicare which starts with Synapticure completing required forms over the phone, setting up an appointment with a care navigator, completing a comprehensive assessment, and then meeting our expert neurologists. 

We then submit all required forms to Medicare to determine eligibility and approval. From there, you’ll be notified and you can work with your care Navigator to learn more on how to set up respite hours.

How does Synapticure work with my existing doctor(s)?

Synapticure collaborates with your existing doctors and healthcare providers to ensure seamless management of your care. We work together to create and implement a personalized and comprehensive care plan that supports both you and your caregiver, integrating our services with the care you already receive from your primary care physician and specialists.

Your current provider remains your primary doctor. This service and our care team is in addition to the support you already receive.

Why patients & caregivers love Synapticure

“The biggest gift Synapticure has given me is autonomy. Their incredible providers and patient-centered care model have allowed me to drive my own healthcare plans and decisions and equipped me with the resources I need to do it effectively. At Synapticure, I always feel seen, heard, and respected. I don’t believe that I would be doing nearly as well as I am today without them.”

“It is such a blessing to have each of the care providers at Synapticure. They have been absolutely amazing in helping us navigate [Dementia]. It is so comforting and reassuring that the medical community understands our particular medical needs. Synapticure provides personalized care and they have such a detailed understanding of frontotemporal dementia.”

“This visit was like a breath of fresh air. After being diagnosed in 2017 and fortunately, my progression has been slow, we felt we were at a standstill. After speaking with our neurologist, we feel there is more hope in even the smallest of things, day-to-day living and the future for what might be on the horizon as far as treatment. We are extremely happy we found Synapticure.”

“Thank you for all you do! The journey with [Dementia] is profound and without Synapticure’s caring nurses and the entire team, we would be struggling. What you do makes such a difference!”

“It is almost indescribable to be working with a provider who is proactively helping to solve my mom’s health issues. Our Synapticure neurologist is holistic in their approach to consider ALL of my mom’s health concerns and challenges instead of focusing on just one ‘specialized’ concern. They are smart and sensitive and even my mom’s primary doctor commented on how clearly thorough she has been in reviewing her records.”

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