UCLA chosen to guide dementia care below new Medicare different cost mannequin

UCLA has been chosen by the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Companies (CMS) to take part in a brand new Medicare different cost mannequin designed to help individuals residing with dementia and their caregivers.

UCLA is one in every of virtually 400 members constructing Dementia Care Packages (DCPs) throughout the nation working below CMS’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Expertise (GUIDE)Mannequin to extend care coordination and enhance entry to providers and helps, together with respite care, for individuals residing with dementia and their caregivers.

We’re delighted to be a GUIDE Mannequin web site. It is a landmark in Medicare’s efforts to supply complete take care of older individuals residing with dementia and their caregivers. They’ve struggled to get wanted care as a result of many helpful providers haven’t been lined, their care has been fragmented, they usually have lacked some extent particular person to assist them navigate and coordinate care.

Dr. David Reuben, program director for UCLA’s GUIDE program and Archstone Professor of Drugs on the David Geffen College of Drugs at UCLA

“The GUIDE mannequin takes main steps in every of those areas and Medicare ought to be congratulated for bringing this to life,” added Reuben, chief of the UCLA Division of Geriatrics.

Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Mannequin will check a brand new cost strategy for key supportive providers furnished to individuals residing with dementia, together with: complete, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 entry to an interdisciplinary care workforce member or assist line; and sure respite providers to help caregivers. Individuals with dementia and their caregivers could have the help and help of a Care Navigator to assist them entry scientific and non-clinical providers resembling meals and transportation by means of community-based organizations.

“CMS is worked up to companion with UCLA below the GUIDE Mannequin,” stated CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “GUIDE is a brand new strategy to how Medicare pays for the care of individuals residing with dementia. The GUIDE members are envisioning new methods to help not solely individuals residing with dementia, but in addition to scale back pressure on the individuals who take care of them, in order that extra Individuals can stay of their properties and communities, somewhat than in establishments.”

UCLA’s participation within the GUIDE Mannequin will assist individuals residing with dementia and their caregivers have entry to training and help, resembling coaching packages on greatest practices for caring for a liked one residing with dementia. The GUIDE Mannequin additionally supplies respite providers for sure individuals, enabling caregivers to take short-term breaks from their caregiving obligations. Respite is being examined below the GUIDE Mannequin to evaluate its impact on serving to caregivers proceed to care for his or her family members at house, stopping or delaying the necessity for facility care.

GUIDE Contributors symbolize a variety of well being care suppliers, together with giant educational medical facilities, small group practices, community-based organizations, well being methods, hospice businesses, and different practices.

This mannequin delivers on a promise within the Biden Administration’s Government Order on Rising Entry to Excessive-High quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the Nationwide Plan to Tackle Alzheimer’s Illness.