Medicare explores a new way to support caregivers of dementia patients

Medicare is initiating an eight-year pilot project, GUIDE, to provide direct support to caregivers of dementia patients, aiming to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens they face. The program will provide care coordinators to assist families with managing symptoms, coordinating medical visits, and arranging short-term care, with the goal of keeping patients healthier and at home longer. This initiative is expected to reduce hospitalization rates and save Medicare money, although its long-term cost-effectiveness remains uncertain.