Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Program

The Medicare Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Program was created to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and to better support their caregivers. Through this program, families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties can access flexible, person-centered support that meets their unique needs.

With Consumer Directed Choices’ (CDChoices) self-directed model, families can choose the caregiver who best fits their situation, whether that’s a family member, friend, or someone found through our Workforce Recruitment Portal. This flexibility gives families peace of mind, knowing their loved one is receiving care from someone they know and trust.

In partnership with Lizzy Care through an agreement with GuideWay Health, PLLC, the Medicare Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) practice entity, CDChoices provides self-directed Respite services as part of the GUIDE Program. These services help individuals living with memory loss remain safely and comfortably in their own homes while giving caregivers the time, tools, and resources they need to recharge and find balance. By honoring each person’s preferences, routines, and goals, we help foster dignity, independence, and a higher quality of life.

Together, CDChoices and Lizzy Care are building a network of compassionate, reliable support for families affected by dementia, strengthening communities and improving the caregiving experience, one family at a time.

About the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Program

Medicare’s GUIDE Program is an innovative initiative designed to improve the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias while reducing the emotional and physical strain on unpaid caregivers.

Through this program, participants and their families receive a comprehensive package of dementia care, which includes:

• Coordinated care management and support

• Personalized care planning

• Education and coaching for family caregivers

• Access to temporary respite services

The goal of GUIDE is to ensure that individuals with dementia receive the right care at the right time, while advancing national efforts to improve dementia care standards and outcomes.

Who Is Eligible for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Program?

To participate in the GUIDE Program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of dementia from a clinician participating in the GUIDE Program.

• Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, with Medicare as their primary insurance (not enrolled in Medicare Advantage, Special Needs Plans, or PACE programs).

• Have not elected the Medicare hospice benefit.

• Not reside in a long-term nursing home.

Our Partnership with Lizzy Care

CDChoices and Lizzy Care share a common vision: to empower families through choice, compassion, and independence.

As a nationally recognized leader with more than 25 years of experience in self-directed home care, CDChoices has been at the forefront of promoting independence and redefining what quality care looks like. Our deep expertise in consumer empowerment and personalized support brings trusted strength to the GUIDE model.

Through our self-directed Respite services, you have the flexibility to:

• Select and hire a caregiver you know and trust, or use our Workforce Recruitment Portal to find the right caregiver for your needs
• Coordinate how and when care is delivered, ensuring services align with your loved one’s unique routines and preferences
• Access ongoing guidance, materials, and resources to help you and your caregiver feel confident, supported, and equipped to provide the highest quality of care
• Benefit from our commitment to excellent customer service and dedicated support at every step, ensuring your questions are answered promptly and your needs always come first.

Lizzy Care complements our partnership by offering an innovative dementia care platform that provides families with specialized guidance, education, and real-time support. Their platform enhances the self-directed Respite care experience by ensuring families have easy access to expert resources and practical tools tailored to the challenges of dementia care. With CDChoices and Lizzy Care, families can feel confident navigating the complexities of dementia, knowing that personalized support and valuable information are always within reach.

Let CDChoices & Lizzy Care GUIDE You

Navigating dementia care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. CDChoices and Lizzy Care are here to support you every step of the way through compassionate guidance, personalized respite services, and trusted caregiver support.

Together, we help families manage the challenges of dementia while ensuring caregivers and their loved ones can continue living safely, comfortably, and independently at home.

When you participate in our program, your respite workers receive weekly payroll and access to essential employment benefits, including:

• New York State (NYS) Sick Leave
• Comprehensive Background Checks
• Mandatory Taxes and Insurance Coverage
• Optional Direct Deposit Enrollment for convenient, secure payments

With CDChoices and Lizzy Care, you’ll have the flexibility, resources, and peace of mind needed to focus on what matters most, caring for your loved one at home. Are you caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia who is enrolled in Medicare? You may be eligible to receive support at no cost to you through the GUIDE Program.

Contact us to see if you qualify!

Benefits of Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Program

GUIDE is designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated dementia care with a focus on both the individual and the caregiver. Through Lizzy Care and CDChoices, participants gain access to:

• A dedicated dementia care team for ongoing guidance and coordination

• A personalized care plan tailored to your loved one’s unique needs

• Monthly check-ins and 24/7 access to support

• Coaching, education, and resources for family caregivers

• Assistance connecting to essential services such as transportation, home health, or respite care

• Clear, compassionate guidance for long-term planning and care decisions