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PocketRN Partnership: 24/7 Virtual Nursing Care

Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be challenging. However, help is available.  

A Place At Home has partnered with PocketRN to bring Medicare-funded respite care and virtual nursing support to families caring for loved ones with dementia.  

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What Is PocketRN?

PocketRN is a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS)-backed, virtual nursing care platform designed to assist family caregivers by providing on-demand access to experienced nurses. Whether you need clinical guidance, emotional support, or help answering questions that arise during dementia care, PocketRN connects you directly with a qualified nurse through a secure, user-friendly interface. Once you’re matched with a nurse, they will remain a consistent presence—following your family’s care journey and providing personalized support through every step.  

Families can video chat with their nurse anytime, anywhere—24/7 virtual access makes it easy to get support when it’s needed most. Additionally, families who qualify for the respite benefit receive up to 72 hours of in-home care per year. The exact amount of hours may vary slightly from year to year. The GUIDE program began on July 1, 2024, and will operate for eight years.

Other key offerings include:     

  • Dementia-specific assistance for day-to-day situations 
  • Support with care plans, symptom tracking, and behavioral concerns 
  • Coaching on safety, medication management, and communication strategies 
  • Access to caregiver education and dementia-focused training through the Nevvon platform 
  • Peace of mind when in-person care isn’t immediately available 

PocketRN helps empower families with the confidence and support they need throughout their caregiving journey. 

Who Qualifies for This Program?

To be eligible for the PocketRN GUIDE program, your loved one must have the following:

  • Medicare A and B (traditional Medicare) as their primary insurance
  • Dementia (a diagnosis can be provided if appropriate)

Please note, this program is not available to individuals who are: 

  • Enrolled in Medicare Advantage, PACE programs, or hospice care (palliative care is still eligible)
  • Living long term in a skilled nursing facility.

On a waitlist with your loved one’s neurologist?

PocketRN’s medical team can conduct evaluations and offer an official dementia diagnosis if appropriate.

How the PocketRN
Process Works

Getting started is simple. A Place At Home handles the onboarding and setup for you, so
there are no additional tasks being added to your plate. Here’s how it all works:   

Identification

If you believe your loved one may qualify for the GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program, simply reach out to a local A Place At Home office to confirm. Based on Medicare status and cognitive health, our team will determine eligibility and, if appropriate, submit the needed information to PocketRN to begin the approval process. We’ll also schedule your welcome call on your behalf. 

Assessment

You’ll first complete a Welcome Call to go through paperwork and consents required for the program, and then a Comprehensive Assessment to complete the required clinical assessment with a PocketRN nurse.

Care Delivery

Once your loved one is approved, A Place At Home will perform a home safety assessment, and if eligible, begin scheduling your in-home respite care in four-hour increments. Note that PocketRN services can also work alongside other existing care plans, including Veteran benefits, to expand the support your loved one receives.

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Additional Benefits
of the Program

 Explore other ways the PocketRN program can support your family: 

African American nurse working on the desk

24/7 support from licensed nurses for care questions and non-emergency support. 

Young nurse talking with senior patients at hospital corridor.

Guidance during hospital discharge, especially for dementia-related cases. 

Reduced stress for family caregivers through reliable, Medicare-covered respite care. 

Stronger continuity of care, helping build lasting home care relationships. 

Why A Place At Home Supports PocketRN

The PocketRN partnership empowers A Place At Home owners to advocate for the importance of virtual nursing support and Medicare-funded respite care. Through training, resources, and other tools, our owners can confidently guide families through the program, answering questions, educating caregivers, and assisting those navigating the challenges of dementia care.  

Bringing peace of mind to families nationwide, the A Place At Home and PocketRN care partnership is a helpful introduction to home care for families who may have never considered, or could not previously afford, these services. Designed to ease caregiver stress, the PocketRN care program aligns with A Place At Home’s mission to support aging in place with dignity.  

Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers. Below are some of the most common inquiries we get about the A Place At Home and PocketRN partnership.  

Nearly all A Place At Home locations offer access to PocketRN. If you’re unsure if PocketRN is available in your area, please find a provider near you to confirm.

Not at all! Eligible families receive PocketRN services at no cost through Medicare reimbursement

PocketRN’s medical team of NPs and RNs can assess and diagnose dementia if appropriate as part of the onboarding process.

Yes! PocketRN services can complement other approved care programs to enhance the assistance your loved one receives. 

Families who qualify for the respite benefit receive up to 72 hours of in-home care per year. The exact amount of hours may vary slightly from year to year. The GUIDE program began on July 1, 2024, and will operate for eight years.

Yes. Families can receive immediate support during transitions home from the hospital, especially for moderate or severe dementia cases.

PocketRN nurses offer professional guidance and clinical insight, but they do not prescribe medication. They can, however, collaborate with your existing care providers when necessary. 

PocketRN is designed with caregivers in mind—especially those supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Their nurses are trained to offer relevant, timely, and compassionate guidance for these unique situations.

Get Started with PocketRN

If you’re a family caregiver seeking additional support, A Place At Home and PocketRN are here to help. Learn how we can assist you in getting the extra care your family needs.

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