Caring for dementia is getting easier in Ohio: Tembo Health (Tembo) and Benjamin Rose of Cleveland have joined forces to deliver support services for people with dementia and their families and at no cost for those with Traditional Medicare. From appointment coordination to in-home support to educational and skills training, this program is designed to ensure that the estimated 236,000 people living with dementia in Ohio and their 414,000 caregivers get the care and support they need and deserve.
To apply, the caregiver can either fill out the eligibility form at Tembo Health or contact WeCare at [email protected] or 216-373-1797.
There are no income limits; to qualify, the person needing care must have an attested dementia diagnosis, be enrolled in traditional Medicare (not Advantage, SNP, or PACE), and must not be a long-term nursing home resident or receiving hospice care.
How the Program Works
These services come as a part of a new Medicare program called GUIDE – Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience – with the goal to help people living with dementia have healthier outcomes and reduce stress on families and caregivers.
Services offered include:
A personal coach: Get paired with a professional care navigator who meets with you regularly to help address the many challenges that can arise.
Coordination of services: From medical appointments to transportation to safety upgrades, Tembo and Benjamin Rose help families get the services they need.
Back-up care (Respite Care): Caregivers can get a break with access to up to $2,500 annually for in-home aides or adult day programs.
Easy access to dementia diagnosis and medical specialists: Connect with physicians quickly through telemedicine for initial evaluations and diagnosis of dementia, and specialists to help manage challenges.
Education and support: Access written materials and videos, live coaching, support groups, and advice from experienced dementia caregivers.
The ability to utilize respite care through the GUIDE program has been an exciting and vital feature for families. This provides family caregivers with essential breaks from their demanding responsibilities, offering up to $2,500 annually to cover services like in-home support from home health aides or engagement in adult day programs offering social interaction and activities for individuals with dementia. This crucial support allows caregivers the time to recharge and attend to their well-being, ultimately leading to more sustainable and higher-quality care for their loved ones.
Tembo partners with Benjamin Rose, experts in dementia care coordination, utilizing their We Care…Because You DoSM program for care navigation across Ohio.
This partnership offers a holistic approach: Tembo provides telehealth-based diagnosis and management, while Benjamin Rose delivers essential care coordination via phone and email, including family education, community connections, and access to financial, legal, and emotional support.
Founded in 1908, Benjamin Rose is a Cleveland-based nonprofit whose mission is to support caregivers and empower all people to age well through research, consumer-responsive services and client advocacy. Our work is accomplished by deepening the understanding of their evolving needs in a changing society; developing and delivering innovative, high-quality solutions; and promoting effective public policies. For more information, visit benrose.org.
