Real support for dementia caregivers.
See if you qualify for the free Medicare GUIDE Program to get up to 80 hours/yr in backup care, a dedicated care navigator, and 24/7 support — all at no out-of-pocket cost.
Delivering UCSF's Care Ecosystem, a research-backed dementia care model.
What you actually get
Real support designed to lift the weight of dementia caregiving — for your loved one and for you.
A paid break, up to 80 hours
Up to $2,600/yr for in-home or facility care so you can rest, travel, or just catch your breath.
Someone to call at 2am
A 24/7 helpline connects you to your care team whenever things get hard — day or night.
A care navigator who knows you
One dedicated person who understands your situation and coordinates everything in one place.
A plan built around your parent
A care plan shaped to their needs — not a template — and updated as things change.
Answers when you're unsure
On-demand guidance on dementia care, medications, and fall prevention, in plain language.
Help finding local resources
Connections to transportation, meal delivery, and financial aid in your community.
See if your family qualifies, it takes about 2 minutes.
Not sure if you qualify?
It only takes a couple of minutes to find out, and we'll walk through every step with you. Here's a quick self-check:
- Your loved one is enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B
- They have a diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer's, or a related condition
- You both live in a participating GUIDE service area
- You're the primary caregiver who can take part in the program
Let's find out together
The eligibility check is quick, free, and there's no commitment to enroll.
Check eligibilityHow it works
Four simple steps, and we're with you the whole way.Four simple steps — and we're with you the whole way.
Check eligibility
A quick check to see if your family qualifies.
Talk to our team
A specialist answers your questions & maps out next steps.
Complete enrollment
We help gather documents and handle the paperwork with you.
Start getting support
Access your care plan, respite funding, and full benefits.
Medicare GUIDE Program FAQs
GUIDE ("Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience") is a voluntary Medicare program launched by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) in 2024 to support people with dementia and their family caregivers. It covers care coordination, caregiver education, 24/7 support, and financial assistance for backup care – all at no out-of-pocket cost. tendercare helps families navigate the program and access these benefits.
Yes. The program is covered by Medicare and requires no additional payment from eligible participants. Care coordination and the annual respite benefit are included.
tendercare partners with participating health plans and GUIDE providers to help families determine eligibility, coordinate enrollment, and access support services. We don't replace Medicare providers or make final eligibility decisions.
Yes. GUIDE complements your existing Medicare coverage and providers. Your loved one continues seeing their current doctors and specialists while gaining added care coordination and caregiver support.
It can typically cover short-term in-home caregiving, adult day programs, or temporary stays in licensed care facilities — giving you time to rest or manage other responsibilities while your loved one is cared for.
Medicare guidelines require that your loved one:
- Have a confirmed dementia diagnosis (such as Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia) from a doctor.
- Be enrolled in Original (Traditional) Medicare Parts A and B with Medicare as their primary insurer (not Medicare Advantage).
- Live in a private home or an approved community setting (not a long-term nursing home).
The quickest way to know for sure is to take our 2-minute eligibility check.
Get the support you deserve
Take the first step today. Checking your eligibility takes just a couple of minutes.
Questions? Email us at support@trytendercare.com