Medicare GUIDE Program Respite Care

The Medicare GUIDE Program

75 hours of Medicare-covered respite care—delivered by Caring Companions.

Caring Companions is an approved provider with the Medicare GUIDE Program

Caring Companions is an approved provider under Medicare’s GUIDE Program, allowing us to bill Medicare directly for in-home respite care for eligible individuals enrolled in GUIDE.

Medicare covers 75 hours of respite care per year

Care is provided in 4-hour segments

Respite hours reset every year on July 1

These hours are designed to give unpaid caregivers meaningful breaks—while ensuring their loved one remains safe, supported, and cared for at home.

Fast eligibility check & care timeline

We can check your eligibility in just a few minutes

If eligible, Medicare approval typically takes 7–20 days

Once approved, respite care can begin right away

This timeline reflects Medicare’s processing period to approve access to the annual respite hours under the GUIDE Program.

What is the Medicare GUIDE Program?

The Medicare GUIDE Program (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a national initiative created to better support people living with dementia—and the family members who care for them.

The program focuses on:

Dementia-specific care coordination

Education and support for unpaid caregivers

Access to respite care services, when eligible

GUIDE is designed to reduce caregiver burnout, improve coordination of care, and help individuals with dementia remain at home longer.

Who may be eligible?

The GUIDE Program is intended for individuals who:

Have Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Have a documented dementia diagnosis

Does not in long-term nursing facility

Are not enrolled in hospice or certain Medicare Advantage plans

Important things to know

The 75 respite hours do not roll over

Unused hours expire on June 30

New hours become available each July 1

Caring Companions can bill Medicare only after GUIDE enrollment is approved

Respite care availability is based on eligibility and Medicare guidelines

How to get started

1. Call Caring Companions (417) 234-8494

2. We’ll check your eligibility and explain how GUIDE respite care works

3. If eligible, we’ll coordinate with our GUIDE partner to begin the approval process

4. Once approved, we’ll schedule your respite care

You don’t have to do this alone

Caring for someone with dementia is demanding—and caregivers deserve support too. Through the Medicare GUIDE Program, families can access coordinated guidance and professional respite care.

Call today to get started

Is Caring Companions the GUIDE provider?

Caring Companions is an approved provider of respite care under the Medicare GUIDE Program. A partnering GUIDE organization provides care coordination, navigation, and caregiver education.

Is the respite care really covered by Medicare?

Yes. For eligible individuals enrolled in GUIDE, Medicare covers up to 75 hours of respite care per year, provided in 4-hour segments.

How long does approval take?

Most approvals take 7–20 days, depending on Medicare processing times.

Can respite care be provided in the home?

Yes. All respite care from Caring Companions is provided in the home.

Caring Companions delivers top-notch personal care services for seniors in Southwest Missouri, by focusing on communication, trust, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Choose Caring Companions for your loved ones and experience the difference that our client-centered approach makes in enhancing their lives.