A New Year, New Support: Did You Receive a CMS Letter About the Medicare GUIDE Program?

January often arrives with a quiet promise. A fresh calendar. A moment to pause. And for many families caring for a loved one with dementia, a renewed hope that this year might feel a little more supported.

At A Place at Home – Lafayette, we are honored to share an important resource that is making a meaningful difference for families navigating dementia care: the Medicare GUIDE Program.

Up to 72 Hours of FREE Respite Care per Year

For families who qualify, the Medicare GUIDE program can provide up to 72 hours of no-cost respite care annually, giving caregivers time to rest, attend appointments, or simply take a breath—while their loved one is cared for safely at home by trusted caregivers.

What Is the Medicare GUIDE Program?

GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. It is a new Medicare program designed to support individuals living with dementia and the family members who care for them.

Unlike traditional services that often feel fragmented or reactive, the GUIDE program focuses on early, proactive, and coordinated support, helping families stay grounded and informed as needs evolve.

The program is built around three core goals:

  • Supporting individuals with dementia so they can remain safely at home longer
  • Reducing caregiver stress, burnout, and crisis situations
  • Improving overall quality of life for both the individual and their care partner

How A Place at Home – Lafayette Fits In

We are proud to share that A Place at Home – Lafayette is credentialed for the Medicare GUIDE program and is currently assisting eligible individuals and families with enrollment.

Even more importantly, the care provided through the GUIDE program is delivered by our trusted caregivers—the same compassionate professionals our community already knows and relies on. These caregivers are trained, supported, and closely connected to the care team coordinating GUIDE services.

This means families receive:

  • Consistent, familiar caregivers
  • Personalized, in-home support
  • Care that aligns with a larger plan, not just a schedule

Did You Receive a Letter About GUIDE?

  • Many families are first learning about this program through a mailing from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).
  • If so, you may already be eligible—or know someone who is.
  • Even if you’re unsure, receiving a letter is a strong reason to start the conversation. And if you didn’t receive one, eligibility may still be possible.

Who May Be Eligible?

The GUIDE program is designed for individuals diagnosed with dementia who are enrolled in Medicare and who have a family member or care partner involved in their care. Eligibility can depend on several factors, which is why personal guidance matters.

Do you think that you or someone you know may be eligible?
Let’s talk it through together.

A More Supported Year Ahead

Dementia care can feel overwhelming, especially when families try to navigate it alone. The Medicare GUIDE program offers a new path—one built on coordination, compassion, and continuity of care. The great news about this program is that it can be stacked on top of other programs. It’s truly a win-win for families navigating dementia care.

Let’s have a conversation to help you and your loved one.
Our team at A Place at Home – Lafayette is here to answer questions, assist with enrollment, and provide the hands-on care that makes a difference every day.

As the new year begins, remember this: support is closer than you think—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Recognizing the Needs of Aging Loved Ones and Their Family Caregivers During the Holidays

As the holidays approach, we all look forward to reuniting with family and sharing those special moments. But this season also gives us a unique opportunity to notice the quieter challenges faced not only by our aging loved ones, but also by the family members who care for them day in and day out. 

Recognizing When Family Caregivers Need Support 

During holiday gatherings, it’s not just about noticing if your aging mom or dad needs a bit more help. It’s also about checking in on the family caregiver—maybe it’s your dad caring for your mom, or a sibling who’s been stepping up. You might notice that the caregiver themselves seems more tired or overwhelmed. That’s a sign that they, too, need support. 

Starting the Conversation with Compassion 

Approach this with the same compassion and respect we show our elders. Let the family caregiver know that it’s okay to ask for help and that you’re there to support them. By recognizing the signs of caregiver fatigue early, families can work together to find solutions—whether it’s arranging for professional caregiving support or simply sharing the load more evenly. 

How A Place At Home Supports the Entire Caregiving Circle 

At A Place At Home, we’re committed to supporting both seniors and the family members who care for them. Our services are designed not just to meet the needs of your aging loved ones, but also to give family caregivers the respite and resources they need. By providing compassionate, accountable, respectful, and equitable care, we help ensure everyone in the caregiving circle feels supported and valued. 

This holiday season, let’s take the time to check in not only on our aging relatives but also on those who care for them. Together, we can create a circle of support that truly embodies the spirit of CARE. 

Ready to Support Your Family This Holiday Season? We’re Here to Help. 

If you’ve noticed changes in an aging loved one—or in the well-being of the family caregiver who loves them—now is the perfect time to reach out. A Place At Home – Lafayette is here to step in, lift some of the weight off your shoulders, and make sure your family has the support it deserves during the holidays and beyond.

Whether you need part-time help, full-time care, or just a conversation about your options, our team is ready to guide you with compassion and clarity. 

Let’s work together to bring peace of mind, balance, and true CARE back into your family’s holiday season.

From Caregiver to Certified: How We Invest in Your Professional Growth

Ashia’s Journey to CNA Certification Shows What’s Possible When Employers Invest in Their Team

Are you a caregiver looking for an employer that truly invests in your future? Ashia’s story is proof that when you join a team that values professional development, your career aspirations can become reality.

A Dream and a Supportive Team

Ashia began her career with us as a dedicated caregiver, driven by a clear vision: she aspired to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Like many caregivers, she had the passion and drive but needed support to bridge the gap between her current role and her professional goals.

That’s where our commitment to caregiver development made all the difference.

Investing in Our Caregivers’ Success

Our owner, Charletta, believes that when caregivers grow, everyone benefits—our team, our clients, and our community. She invested in Ashia’s future by covering her CNA certification expenses beyond paid hours, removing the financial barriers that often prevent talented caregivers from advancing their careers.

But the support didn’t stop there.

Mentorship That Makes a Difference

From day one, our administrator, Sherry, took Ashia under her wing, providing the mentorship and guidance every aspiring healthcare professional needs. This personalized attention helped Ashia navigate her certification journey with confidence, knowing she had an experienced leader supporting her every step of the way.

The result? Ashia is now officially CNA certified and is being groomed for a lead caregiver position as we expand into fractional care services—a new and exciting revenue stream for our growing organization.

What This Means for Caregivers Joining Our Team

Ashia’s story isn’t unique here; it’s the kind of growth trajectory we aspire to for all our caregivers. When you join our team, you’re not just taking a job; you’re joining a culture that:

  • Invests in your professional development with financial support for certifications and training
  • Provides mentorship opportunities with experienced healthcare leaders
  • Creates clear pathways for advancement into leadership and specialized roles
  • Expands service offerings that create new opportunities for career growth
  • Celebrates your success and recognizes your dedication

Growing Careers, Growing Opportunities

As we expand into other levels of care and innovative services, we’re creating even more opportunities for caregivers to specialize, lead, and build rewarding long-term careers in healthcare. We’re looking for compassionate, dedicated caregivers who want to grow with us.

Join a Team That Invests in You

If you’re a caregiver who aspires to advance your career, earn certifications, or transition into leadership roles, we want to hear from you. Like Ashia, you’ll find a supportive team that’s committed to helping you achieve your professional goals.

Ready to start your own success story? We’re hiring caregivers who are passionate about delivering exceptional care and eager to explore professional growth opportunities.

Interested in joining our team? Contact us today to learn more about caregiver opportunities and how we support your career development.