Visiting Angels of West Springfield Selected for GUIDE Program

HOLYOKE — Visiting Angels of West Springfield announced it is now an approved provider of respite services under the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model through Medicare. This new program is part of a nationwide initiative launched by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and focuses on providing personalized, at-home care to individuals living with dementia and support for their personal unpaid caregivers.

The GUIDE model allows Visiting Angels to offer dementia-focused home care services to eligible Medicare recipients in Hampden County. Through the GUIDE program, clients will have access to respite care, 24/7 support, caregiver training, and care coordination at no cost to the individual or family. This model is designed to help a greater range of individuals living with dementia to be able to remain at home, decrease care costs, and improve quality of life for seniors and their caregivers, through respite and training.

Individuals eligible for these services should have traditional Medicare Part A or B, have received a dementia diagnosis from a medical professional, live at home, and voluntarily seek out GUIDE model services.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this service to our Greater Springfield communities,” said Melissa Paciulli, interim director of Visiting Angels of West Springfield. “The GUIDE model’s goals are completely aligned with our core mission: to provide compassionate, personalized care for seniors to be able to age in the comfort of their own home.”

Those wishing to get started should call Visiting Angels at (413) 733-6900. The team can discuss service options and schedule a free in-home consultation. For more details on this program, download the GUIDE model Dementia Pathways informational sheet by clicking here.