Short answers to the questions families ask most, with a link to the full detail on each.

What is the Medicare GUIDE Program?

A Medicare program for families caring for someone with dementia. It covers care navigation, caregiver support, and respite care, at no cost.

Am I eligible?

Your loved one needs Original Medicare and a documented dementia diagnosis. Any confirmed dementia diagnosis qualifies, including Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal.

What's the first step, and how long does enrollment take?

The eligibility check at trytendercare.com/guide, which takes a few minutes. From there, typically about two weeks, depending on how soon you can get us the required information.

Am I enrolled once I complete the eligibility check?

Not yet. Eligibility and enrollment are two different steps. We check eligibility, then complete an assessment and send it to Medicare, and Medicare decides. Nothing goes to Medicare until you're ready.

What happens after enrollment?

A dedicated tendercare Guide, a personalized care plan, caregiver education and support, a 24/7 support line, help coordinating respite care, and regular check-ins.

Is there any cost to participate?

No. No premium, no co-pay, no out-of-pocket cost for the program.

How is the program paid for?

Medicare pays Vela Health, the GUIDE participant tendercare partners with. Vela Health pays its partners, including tendercare. Your family is never billed.

How much respite does GUIDE cover?

Up to $2,625 per benefit year. "Up to" means that's the most you can spend, not that the amount varies by family.

When does the benefit year reset, and does unused funding carry over?

The benefit year resets July 1. Unused funding does not carry over, so whatever isn't spent by June 30 is gone.

Could respite ever cost my family money?

Only if you use more than $2,625 covers, or keep using respite after the funding is used up for the year. Confirm rate and hours with the provider before respite starts.

Can my loved one use GUIDE alongside other Medicare benefits?

Yes. GUIDE works alongside existing coverage. It doesn't replace your doctor, your specialists, or any benefit you already receive.

What if my loved one is on Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage doesn't qualify for GUIDE. You can switch to Original Medicare during certain windows, and tendercare is free either way.

Is tendercare an official GUIDE provider?

Yes. tendercare is a CMS-approved GUIDE partner delivering care services, in partnership with Lifetime Redesign OT, DBA Vela Health.

Who is Vela Health, and why do I see their name?

Our GUIDE partner. They hold the CMS agreement, so their name appears on enrollment and consent paperwork.

Send us a message and we'll get you an answer.