GUIDE, which stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, is a new model of dementia care for Medicare beneficiaries. Programs under the GUIDE model provide comprehensive, coordinated care that aims to improve the quality of life of persons with dementia, support caregivers, and maximize community living. This eight-year national pilot from the federal government’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began on July 1, 2024.

All GUIDE programs offer similar elements, including:

Care navigators help you get the clinical care and community services you need. All programs provide 24/7 access to a care team member or helpline, allowing you to ask questions or get support whenever you need it.

The model is designed for people with any form of dementia, including FTD. Although providers may have different levels of experience with FTD, having a care navigator to coordinate and advocate for services is an important advancement in care. AFTD is currently working to provide FTD education to GUIDE providers; in the meantime, share AFTD resources with providers who are unfamiliar with FTD.

The 2025 AFTD Education Conference featured an introduction to GUIDE, with a panel of experts describing what FTD families can expect if they enroll in a GUIDE program, as well as how to share their feedback and experiences to inform AFTD’s continued advocacy. The recording of the session is available on AFTD’s YouTube channel, along with the rest of the Bildungskonferenz 2025.

To learn more about how GUIDE can help families facing FTD, download this AFTD fact sheet.

Zusätzlich, this CMS fact sheet includes an overview of GUIDE as well as ways to access its services (also available in Spanish). Finally, CMS provides an interactive map to help locate GUIDE providers near you.

If you apply to a GUIDE program, tell us about your experience by using this short form. Help us learn how GUIDE works for you so we can better advocate on your behalf!

If you have more questions or need support, reach out to the AFTD HelpLine at 866-507-7222 oder info@theaftd.org.