Innovative Dementia Care Program in Dubuque To Provide Vital Support for Caregivers and Families

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Stonehill Communities is a participating provider in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model program. Located in Dubuque, Stonehill is one of three providers in Iowa selected for this innovative initiative and will launch its program on July 1, 2025.

The GUIDE Model is an eight-year voluntary program designed to address critical gaps in dementia care. Available to Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with dementia and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, it focuses on helping individuals remain in their homes and communities through services like care management, caregiver support and respite care.

First launched in July 2024, the GUIDE Model enables participating organizations to enhance dementia care through innovative approaches. As a second-wave participant, Stonehill will leverage insights from early adopters to strengthen its delivery of high-quality, person-centered care.

Innovative features of the GUIDE Model
Key components of the GUIDE Model include:

* Care coordination: Led by trained care navigators with dementia expertise.
* Caregiver support services: Including respite care, education and a 24/7 helpline.
* Interdisciplinary care teams: Focused on creating and maintaining personalized care plans.
* Addressing social determinants of health: To resolve barriers impacting care outcomes.

“Stonehill Communities is part of GUIDE’s new program track, which allows us to learn from established programs and witness their benefits nationwide,” said Liz Kunde, Executive Director of Strategy and Compliance at Stonehill Communities. “We are preparing to launch our GUIDE program on July 1, 2025, and are excited to support families and individuals with dementia in improving their quality of life and health outcomes.”

Benefits of the GUIDE Model for Iowans
The GUIDE Model represents a transformative approach to dementia care, offering significant benefits to Iowans impacted by dementia. By keeping individuals in their homes longer and reducing caregiver stress, the program improves health outcomes and delays or prevents institutional care. Caregivers gain access to critical resources, training and support, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness.

“Stonehill Communities’ participation in the GUIDE Model demonstrates the innovative, high-quality care being delivered by Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) members,” said Brent Willett, IHCA President and CEO. “This program not only benefits individuals living with dementia but also provides vital support to their families and caregivers. We are thrilled to see one of our members leading the way in this effort.”

Stonehill Communities’ involvement builds upon its existing services, such as the Caregiver Resource Center, creating a seamless continuum of care for individuals and families. Their participation reflects Iowa’s leadership in advancing dementia care and developing innovative solutions to meet growing needs. With Stonehill and two other Iowa providers selected for the program, the GUIDE Model positions the state as a leader in personalized, community-based dementia care while addressing unique challenges and strengthening families across Iowa.