Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program

The UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (ADC) Program provides specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as for their families and caregivers. Dementia Care Specialists collaborate closely with UCLA primary care physicians and specialists to develop individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s medical, behavioral, and social needs. Services provided through the ADC Program include comprehensive initial assessments, personalized care plans, ongoing follow-up appointments, and 24/7 access to support for urgent concerns. Patients also receive annual evaluations to ensure their evolving needs continue to be met. Clinical visits are covered by Medicare, and the program also offers additional free resources, including support groups, educational programs, and community referrals.

Since July 2024, the UCLA ADC Program has been participating in the CMS Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, a national Medicare initiative designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated dementia care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Through the GUIDE Model, eligible Medicare patients will continue to receive the same structured dementia care support provided by the ADC Program, and in addition, patients with moderate to severe dementia may receive an in-home visit, and some may qualify for limited respite services, such as in-home care or adult day care support. The program’s overarching goal is to help individuals with dementia remain safely in their homes and communities, while reducing caregiver burden and avoiding unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.