APPALACHIAN DEMENTIA CARE
North Georgia’s GUIDE Dementia Care Provider
GUIDE - Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience
New Medicare Dementia Program - now offers help!
WHO IS APPALACHIAN DEMENTIA CARE?
Appalachian Dementia Care (ADC) is a locally owned and operated provider dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by dementia. Based in Blairsville, Georgia, ADC is proud to serve the North Georgia community with compassion and expertise. We are one of only seven providers in Georgia selected to participate in the new Medicare Dementia program, GUIDE - Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. As the only provider in North Georgia, ADC brings trusted, high-quality dementia care close to home.
We are proud to have been selected to participate in the GUIDE program!
GUIDE Program Goals
Improve quality of life for participants and their families
Reduce strain on unpaid caregivers
Enables participants to stay longer in their homes and local communities
The GUIDE program is focused on achieving these goals through a combination of comprehensive care coordination with a strong focus on improving participant quality of life and easing caregiver burden.
DEMENTIA FACTS
Dementia affected more than 6.7 million Americans in 2023, with 14 million projected cases in 2060.
People with dementia often have multiple chronic conditions and receive fragmented care, leading to high rates of hospitalization and emergency department visits. They also may have behavioral health symptoms and often need 24/7 care.
The challenges of managing health care, providing constant support, and dealing with the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia can present a significant mental, physical, emotional, and financial burden for caregivers and disproportionately impact minority and underserved populations.
The GUIDE model sets a standard approach to care, including 24/7 access to a support line, as well as caregiver training, education, and support services. This standard approach allows people with dementia to remain safely in their homes for longer by preventing or delaying nursing home placement and improves the quality of life for both people with dementia and their unpaid caregivers.
WHO QUALIFIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GUIDE?
To be admitted to the GUIDE program, a participant must meet the following criteria:
Be enrolled in both the Medicare Part A and Part B programs and Medicare is your primary payer.
May not be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or another Medicare health plan, including Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) or hospice.
Can not be a Long-Term Nursing Home resident
An ADC practitioner’s attestation of mild, moderate, or severe dementia.
Once approved for participation in the GUIDE program by Medicare, all program services are provided at NO COST to the participant.
SPECIALIZED CARE FOR GUIDE PARTICIPANTS
Click the dropdowns below to explore the specialized care options available for GUIDE Program participants.
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In-person comprehensive assessment performed by ADC nurse practitioner.
Individualized care plan incorporating participant’s health needs and preferences.
Continuously monitored and updated, as needed
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Each participant assigned to an ADC Care Navigator
Assistance with scheduling appointments, managing medications and navigating home-based and community services
Monthly contact to monitor and update participant’s goals, strengths, preferences and needs including health status
Advanced Care Planning Education & Assistance
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Assistance with managing common dementia symptoms such as anxiety, agitation and sleep disturbances
Support in making informed decisions leading to improved quality of life
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Through your ADC Care Navigator, you will be able to access:
Caregiver support programs, including caregiver skill training
Dementia diagnosis information
Support group services and
Ad hoc one-on-one support
Monthly newsletter
Opportunity to participate in Virtual Dementia Tour™
Memory CareKit™ which contains additional educational information that will be provided upon acceptance
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Communicate regularly with the participant’s primary care physician
Follow up with the primary care physician or specialist following each visit to address any necessary changes to care plan
Refer specialists to address co-occurring conditions, as needed
Care transition coordination between your personal residence and an alternate care setting, including medication management and reconciliation
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Access to care team members when needed
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Participants are eligible for up to $2,500 annually for respite care
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Our core team includes:
Medical Director
Nurse Practitioner
Care Navigator
Nurses - LPN and RN
Medical Social Worker
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Respite Care Partners
WHY CHOOSE GUIDE?
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Reduce Caregiver Stress and Improve Quality of Life
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Ongoing Health Monitoring and Support
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Help Navigating the Complex Modern Healthcare System
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24/7 Access to a Caring Professional
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Caregiver Education, Support Groups, and Respite Care
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Dedicated Care Navigator and In-Home Visits
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Medication Management and Reconciliation
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NO COST to Participants
FREQUNTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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NO, it is not necessary to have a referral or order from your physician to participate in the GUIDE program. You can start the process by completing the participant information form found on this site or by calling one of our GUIDE team members at 762-345-2148.
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YES, it is not necessary for you or your loved one to have a formal dementia diagnosis to participate in the GUIDE program. The initial assessment made by the ADC nurse practitioner will include a determination of their cognitive decline.
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We are currently scheduling appointments for the initial nurse practitioner in-home assessment with 1-3 days of your initial contact with an ADC team member depending on the availability of you and your caregiver, if you have one.
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NO, it is not necessary to have a caregiver to participate in the GUIDE program. For the purposes of the GUIDE Model, a caregiver is defined as a relative, or unpaid nonrelative, who assists the participant with activities of daily living and/or instrumental activities of daily living.
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Each participant in the GUIDE program qualifies for an annual respite benefit of $2,500. For this purpose, annual means during the 12-month period starting at the date of acceptance into the GUIDE program by Medicare and each 12-month period thereafter.
Respite services can be provided in as little as 4-hour increments, up to a maximum of 3-days at a participating respite partner facility. While these services are provided at NO COST to the participant, the charge against the $2,500 annual maximum may vary depending on the length of service and the type of respite service selected.
OUR SERVICE AREA
HOW TO JOIN THE GUIDE PROGRAM
Contact Appalachian Dementia Care: To learn more or schedule an assessment, Call 762-345-2148 or fill out the GUIDE Information Request Form.
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Assessment and Care Planning: One of our care team members will contact you to answer any questions and, if desired, to schedule an in-house assessment by one of our Nurse Practitioners, at your convenience.
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Ongoing Support: Once approved by Medicare, you'll receive support from our dedicated healthcare team, ensuring you receive the best possible care.