Meritan expands vital dementia support into DeSoto County

Key Points

• The GUIDE Model offers comprehensive care coordination and caregiver support to help individuals with dementia remain safely in their homes.
• Expansion into DeSoto County addresses a critical need for families who previously lacked access to these specialized services.
• Eligibility requires traditional Medicare Parts A and B, a common point of clarification for families seeking enrollment.

HERNANDO, Miss. — Families navigating the complexities of dementia now have a new ally as Meritan expands its GUIDE Dementia Care Program into DeSoto County. The initiative, designed to bridge significant gaps in the healthcare system, provides a specialized support structure at no cost to eligible families.

A New Standard of Support

The GUIDE Model—which stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience—is a program created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center. Unlike traditional services, it focuses heavily on “caregiver burden,” providing the tools necessary to reduce burnout and stress.

“What it does is offer care coordination and management for the patient and caregiver,” said Nirali Zalawadia, Program Director for GUIDE at Meritan. “It addresses caregiver burden and burnout by offering education and support services and also respite funds that they can access.”

Meeting a Growing Need

The decision to expand from Shelby County into DeSoto County was driven by direct feedback from local residents. Zalawadia noted that the 30-minute driving distance made the expansion a logical step to serve families who were already reaching out for help.

“We were hearing from DeSoto families… saying, ‘Hey, my mom, dad, aunt, uncle, whomever has dementia. What [can we do]?'” Zalawadia said. Meritan anticipates serving 20 to 30 families in the county during the program’s first year, though they are equipped to handle more if demand increases.

Navigating Eligibility

A significant hurdle for many families is understanding the specific enrollment requirements. To qualify, an individual must have traditional Medicare Parts A and B. Zalawadia emphasized that those with Medicare Advantage plans are currently ineligible under CMS guidelines.

In addition to the specific insurance requirements, a clinician must confirm an approved dementia diagnosis. Once the process begins, families can typically expect at least 15 business days for full approval.

Beyond Medical Care

Once enrolled, families are paired with a “dementia-proficient” care navigator who conducts home assessments to ensure safety, checking for risks like wandering and proper medication storage.

The program also provides essential respite funds. These can be used for:

• In-home care services.
• Adult day center programs.
• Facility-based respite for caregivers who need an extended break or vacation.

A Lifeline for Families

While the program is still in its early stages locally, the impact is already being felt. Zalawadia recalled the emotional reaction of one caregiver who had previously struggled without support.

“I have had a caregiver literally tell me it feels like [a lifeline],” she said. “The program has helped give families just support—someone to talk to.”

For more information, families can contact Meritan at 901-766-0600 or email guide@meritan.org.