7 August 2024
Department of Communications
225-769-4764 | communications@stjosephholdings.com
The Carpenter Health Network |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BATON ROUGE, LA – Today, The Carpenter Health Network through its Homedica division, announced they have been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, [The Carpenter Health Network] will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
“CMS is excited to partner with The Carpenter Health Network under the GUIDE Model,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “GUIDE is a new approach to how Medicare will pay for the care of people living with dementia. The GUIDE participants are envisioning new ways to support not only people living with dementia but also to reduce strain on the people who care for them so that more Americans can remain in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.”
Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or helpline; and certain respite services to support caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care Navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.
“We are so honored that we’ve been selected to participate in the CMS GUIDE project and to be able to offer enhanced services for our dementia patients throughout our network.” Said Area VP of Palliative and Aging Care Shannon Wentz. “We know that early intervention is key to improving the quality of life for both dementia patients as well as their caregivers and family members.”
The Carpenter Health Network through its Homedica division’s participation in the GUIDE Model will help people living with dementia and their caregivers have access to education and support, such as training programs on best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite is being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess its effect on helping caregivers continue to care for their loved ones at home, preventing or delaying the need for facility care.
GUIDE Participants represent a wide range of healthcare providers, including large academic medical centers, small group practices, community-based organizations, health systems, hospice agencies, and other practices.
This model delivers on a promise in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information on CMS’ GUIDE Model, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide.
About Homedica House Calls
At Homedica, we provide the expert treatment of physicians and nurse practitioners where patients are most at ease—in the comfort and safety of their homes. For those who are unable to comfortably leave the home, we provide primary care visits to patients.
If you or a loved one find leaving home burdensome or if you cannot safely leave your home, our physicians and nurse practitioners work directly with your primary care physician to provide the same level of outstanding care to you in the comfort of your home. Care is tailored to the patient’s individual needs, thereby helping reduce hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
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Contact:
Shannon Wentz, FACHE
Area VP of Palliative & Aging Care
swentz@carpenterhealth.net
The Carpenter Health Network
O: 214-300-1797