Dedicated Dementia Care Navigator
A personalized care navigator helps coordinate appointments, develop care plans, and connect families with medical and community resources.
CERNA HOME CARE · MEDICARE GUIDE PROGRAM
More Dementia Care Support. More Peace of Mind.
Discover the CMS GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience): personalized care navigation, round-the-clock caregiver support, and covered respite services for eligible families.
GUIDE participation, covered services, and respite eligibility must be confirmed. The program is not a cash benefit.
2026–2027 GUIDE PERFORMANCE YEAR
Up to $2,625 FREEIn covered respite services for eligible beneficiaries, from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
There is no GUIDE cost-sharing for covered services. The amount is an annual service-payment cap—not a payment made to patients or caregivers— and CMS may adjust it in future years.
How the GUIDE Program Supports Your Family
24/7 Caregiver Support
Access around-the-clock guidance for family caregivers, including support with changing care needs and difficult situations.
Caregiver Training & Education
Receive guidance on dementia-related behaviors, fall prevention, medication routines, home safety, and everyday caregiving.
Covered Respite Care
Eligible families may receive up to $2,625 in Medicare-covered respite services during the July 2026 through June 2027 GUIDE performance year.
Who May Qualify?
GUIDE is designed for individuals living with dementia who meet CMS requirements. An initial review typically considers:
- A dementia diagnosis confirmed by a qualified GUIDE clinician.
- Original Medicare Parts A and B, with Medicare as the primary payer—not Medicare Advantage or PACE.
- Living in a private home or an approved participating residential care community; not a nursing home or memory care unit.
- Not currently electing the Medicare hospice benefit or enrolled with another GUIDE participant.
- For respite care specifically: a qualifying dementia severity/care tier, an identified unpaid primary caregiver, and an eligible living arrangement. Since July 1, 2026, residents of residential care communities are not eligible for GUIDE respite.
Medicare and Medi-Cal dual eligibility may be compatible when Original Medicare requirements are met. Enrollment is voluntary and subject to CMS confirmation.
What Does GUIDE Respite Care Look Like?
Respite gives unpaid family caregivers time to rest, attend appointments or work, and care for themselves. When approved, support may include in-home help with supervision, mobility, hydration, meal routines, personal care prompts, and wandering-risk awareness. Adult day services and short facility stays may also qualify, depending on the individual care plan.
The GUIDE program covers only approved respite services up to the applicable annual limit; it does not replace every home-care service or guarantee a fixed number of hours.
Getting Started Is Straightforward
Free Consultation
Contact Cerna to discuss your loved one's current dementia care needs and learn more about GUIDE services.
Eligibility Review
Our team reviews Medicare coverage, dementia-related requirements, and potential respite eligibility.
Personalized Care Plan
A dementia care navigator helps coordinate a care plan tailored to your loved one's needs and your family's circumstances.
Care & Support Begins
Eligible participants begin receiving approved care navigation, caregiver support, and applicable respite services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my loved one need to change doctors?
No. GUIDE care navigation works alongside existing doctors, specialists, and primary care providers.
Does everyone receive $2,625 in respite care?
No. Respite services are available only to eligible participants and are subject to GUIDE coverage requirements and applicable annual limits.
Can someone with Medicare and Medi-Cal qualify?
Potentially. People with Medicare and Medi-Cal may qualify if they meet Original Medicare and other GUIDE eligibility requirements.
Are GUIDE services provided at no additional cost?
Covered GUIDE services have no additional beneficiary cost-sharing. Other services outside GUIDE may have separate charges.
When does the annual respite benefit reset?
The GUIDE performance year runs from July 1 through June 30. Applicable limits and eligibility requirements may change in future years.
LET'S TALK
Request Your GUIDE Eligibility Consultation
Start with a conversation about your loved one's care needs. Call Cerna directly to ask about the GUIDE program and whether services are available in your area.
To protect private medical information, do not send Medicare IDs or dates of birth through an ordinary website contact form. Cerna can arrange secure collection of sensitive details during intake.
Program guidance: CMS GUIDE FAQs and CMS payment methodology. Information current as of October 2026; eligibility and limits may change.