LOA offers details about new GUIDE dementia support program

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The Local Office on Aging is offering a new program designed to provide additional support for families affected by dementia in the region through a Medicare-funded service called GUIDE.

GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. LOA said the program is designed to improve care and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Participants receive personalized care planning, care coordination and caregiver support through LOA’s GUIDE clinical partner, Embrace Prevention Care.

LOA said GUIDE is offered at no cost to eligible participants and their families. Families receive 24/7 caregiver support, along with education, training and access to a care team, according to LOA.

According to LOA, more than 164,000 Virginians ages 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

LOA said the program combines its community-based support with Embrace’s clinical and telehealth capabilities to improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

You can call LOA at 540-345-0451, or go to LOA’s website for more information on all of its services.