YAHOO FINANCE: New Medicare program offers much-needed relief for caregivers of dementia patients
Medicare's new GUIDE program pays up to $2,500 annually for respite care for dementia patients, marking the first time Medicare has supported unpaid family caregivers. Available in 45 states with 330 participating providers, the program covers in-home caregivers, overnight care, or adult day care to give family caregivers breaks. Two-thirds of dementia caregivers are women, and the program aims to help patients stay home longer while reducing Medicare costs through fewer emergency visits.