Family caregivers of people with dementia are burning out at an alarming rate. The single most effective intervention? Respite care — time away from caregiving to rest and recharge. The Medicare GUIDE program now makes this possible at no cost.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is temporary relief for family caregivers — professional care provided to your loved one so that you can take a break. Under the GUIDE program, Medicare covers up to 72 hours of respite care per program year at $0 out-of-pocket cost. The program year runs July 1 through June 30.
How the July Reset Works in Your Favor
If your loved one enrolls in October, they receive their full 72 hours for the current program year (October through June). When July 1st arrives, the clock resets and they receive another full 72 hours. A family enrolling in October could access up to 144 hours of covered respite care within their first 12 months. This makes early enrollment highly advantageous.
Who Provides the Respite Care?
Through FirstLight Home Care of Alameda’s GUIDE program partnership with PocketRN, respite care is provided by our trained, background-checked caregivers. Your loved one stays in the comfort of their own home.
Is My Loved One Eligible?
Your loved one must have Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B), a documented dementia diagnosis, and be living at home or in an assisted living community. We serve Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Call us at (510) 954-3878 to check eligibility.
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