Elderly couple meeting with a caregiver in a home-like setting, reflecting the GUIDE Model’s focus on compassionate, coordinated dementia care.

UPMC GUIDE Model

UPMC participates in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)’s Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. The GUIDE Model is a voluntary nationwide model that aims to support people with dementia and their unpaid caregivers through a standardized care delivery approach. This model aligns with UPMC’s commitment to improving quality of life, supporting caregivers, and enabling individuals with dementia to safely remain in their homes and communities for as long as appropriate.

Program Services

Comprehensive assessment with interdisciplinary team.
Care plan to identify individualized health and care needs.
Caregiver support.

Education.
Respite care (temporary, short-term breaks for unpaid caregivers).

24/7 access to a care team member or helpline to answer questions and provide support.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the GUIDE Model, individuals must meet the following criteria. If eligible, they may also receive information from Medicare or participating GUIDE providers.

Has dementia.

The diagnosis must be confirmed by a GUIDE Model clinician.

Lives in:
- A private home or apartment.
- A residential care community (RCC) that meets GUIDE requirements.
- Individuals cannot reside in a nursing home, memory care unit, or residential care community who does not have a formal partner agreement with the GUIDE Model participant.
Not enrolled in/aligned to:

A Medicare Advantage plan (including Special Needs Plans).
A Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE, or in Pennsylvania called a LIFE program).
Medicare hospice benefit.
Another GUIDE Model participant.

If you are unsure whether you or your loved one qualifies, we encourage you to reach out for more information or speak with your provider.

Key information for patients, care partners/caregivers, and community partners

UPMC GUIDE Model Brochure (PDF)
UPMC GUIDE Model Flier (PDF)
GUIDE Model Patient and Caregiver Fact Sheet (English PDF and Spanish PDF)
GUIDE Model Overview Fact Sheet (PDF)
GUIDE Model Strength in Partnerships Fact Sheet (PDF)

Contact Us

You can reach us using the contact details provided below or by filling out our contact form.

UPMC, Division of Geriatric Medicine
3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-692-4200

Contact us form

First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Preferred Method of Contact What best describes you? If a caregiver, what is your relationship to the patient? Patient’s Name (First and Last) Subject of Inquiry

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