
Caregivers, You’re Not Alone: Inside the New Medicare-Funded GUIDE Program
Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast
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Episode · 43:30 · Jun 11, 2025
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In this powerful new episode, Laura speaks with Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern, co-founders of Magnolia, about the GUIDE Program — a revolutionary new Medicare pilot project that provides comprehensive, wraparound support to people living with dementia and their caregivers.Dr. Sibai and Alice break down how the program works, who qualifies, and why this signals a major shift in how our healthcare system acknowledges and supports caregivers. Whether you're a family caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone navigating a new dementia diagnosis, this episode is full of crucial information and real hope.Meet Dr. Lama Sibai:Dr. Lama Sibai is a clinical neuropsychologist based in Seattle, WA. She specializes in the diagnosis and care of individuals with dementia and movement disorders. Dr. Sibai is a co-founder of Magnolia and a fierce advocate for caregiver education, equity in dementia care, and systems-level change. Meet Alice Allen-Redfern:Alice Allen-Redfern is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in older adults, caregiving, and palliative care. She co-founded Magnolia to address the urgent need for better caregiver support. Alice is a national expert on the new GUIDE Program and is helping families across Washington access these life-changing services. Topics Discussed:What the GUIDE Program is and why it's a game-changerWhy caregiver support is essential and often overlookedWho qualifies for the program and how to applyThe 9 pillars of the GUIDE Program and what families receiveHow Magnolia is building bridges between healthcare and community supportWhy dementia care must include emotional, logistical, and medical supportThe ripple effects of a dementia diagnosis on familiesThe importance of flexibility, education, and advocacy in care planningHow the GUIDE Program empowers families to remain at home longerThe emotional toll of caregiving and the urgent need for burnout prevention⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the episode01:10 – Meet Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern03:15 – The mission behind Magnolia06:20 – What is the GUIDE Program?12:55 – Who qualifies and how the program works19:40 – Breaking down the 9 pillars of GUIDE27:18 – Why caregiver support is essential32:10 – How families can find participating GUIDE providers37:22 – Emotional support, planning, and caregiver identity45:50 – What makes Magnolia’s team unique49:30 – The importance of a collaborative, flexible care model55:45 – How GUIDE supports in-home and long-term care transitions1:02:00 – Respite benefits and emotional care1:07:10 – Final thoughts and gratitude Key Takeaways:GUIDE is an 8-year Medicare pilot program offering wraparound care for people living with dementia and their caregivers.The program includes monthly check-ins, care planning, respite benefits, and emotional and medical support — all covered by Medicare.Magnolia's care model bridges the gap between clinical care and real-life support, prioritizing the whole family’s wellbeing.Caregivers are viewed as experts and essential partners in the care team.The GUIDE Program recognizes that aging and dementia care require a coordinated, compassionate approach.Even those in assisted living or adult family homes can qualify — this program is designed to meet people where they are. Resources Mentioned:Magnolia:<a href="https://www.magnoliacenter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
43m 30s · Jun 11, 2025
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