PocketRN, Comfort Keepers Partner to Deliver GUIDE Dementia Care Model

IRVINE, California—PocketRN, a virtual nursing company, and Comfort Keepers, a provider of in-home care, announced they are partnering to implement the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alternative payment model, Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE). The program is designed to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and to support their family members.

As one of nearly 400 participants selected nationally, PocketRN will lead dementia care programs that bring accessible, continuous care to families across the United States. Comfort Keepers will support PocketRN’s GUIDE participation by helping families access respite care and additional in-home support through its national franchise network of professionally trained in-home caregivers, many of whom specialize in dementia and Alzheimer’s care.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring our revolutionary Nurse for Life model to the millions of dementia patients and families who need it most,” said Jenna Morgenstern-Gaines, CEO of PocketRN. “With PocketRN, patients and families get unwavering support from a dedicated, trusted nurse as they navigate the complexities of managing dementia at no cost to them. Nurses are hands-down the best clinicians to be the ‘glue’ for patients and their families throughout their dementia journey–they’ve been doing so forever, and it’s high time their work is valued by our system.”

“At Comfort Keepers, we’ve seen firsthand the daily challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and the families who care for them,” said Natalie Black, CEO of Comfort Keepers. “Partnering with PocketRN to deliver the GUIDE Model allows us to elevate our impact by combining clinical virtual care with our in-home, person-centered support. Through this strategic collaboration, we’re able to deliver coordinated care, expert guidance and meaningful respite—empowering families to thrive together, even through the toughest moments.”

Comfort Keepers’ partnership with PocketRN under the GUIDE Model is supported by its Positive Pathways program, a person-centered approach to caring for clients with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, encompassing a curriculum designed for professional caregivers and enhanced family support. This program equips Comfort Keepers caregivers to deliver specialized and interactive dementia care that meets each client where they are.

Launched July 1, 2024, CMS’ GUIDE Model offers:

• Comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans
• 24/7 access to interdisciplinary care teams
• Care coordination across clinical and non-clinical services
• Certain respite services for caregivers