Indiana doctors have created an Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia care model that helps unpaid family caregivers as much as it helps the patient. The unpaid caregiver is typically described as “the quiet sufferer.” Statistics show these family members are at a significantly higher risk of depression and a shorter life span, due to their role as caregiver. Photo courtesy of Google.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana doctors have created an Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia care model that helps unpaid family caregivers as much as it helps the patient.

The program shows positive scientific results, but expansion was impossible because the model didn’t fit typical payment methods. However, Medicare is introducing a test which will allow families all around the United States to access the program.

The unpaid caregiver is typically described as “the quiet sufferer.” Statistics show these family members are at a significantly higher risk of depression and a shorter life span, due to their role as caregiver. These statistics are even more dire in areas that are underserved.

The dementia care model provides a “care navigator” who collaborates with the family member caregiver and the patient to navigate care but also to coordinate, what doctors have coined, the “stress prevention bundle.” The stress prevention bundle includes providing the unpaid caregiver respite time throughout the week; meals and transportation; a support group; crisis planning and counseling.

The care model went through a randomized clinical trial, which is considered the highest level of evidence. The trial proved the model provides compelling improvement in the quality of life and care for both the patients and family member caregivers. The evidence was so compelling other institutions have adopted the model, including UCLA, Johns Hopkins and UC San Francisco.

Payment proved to be quite a challenge, as the care mode does not fit the mold of the traditional fee-for-service payment model.

Despite this, Eskenazi Health, an Indianapolis-based entity, adopted the model and paid for it by raising funds. Because the model was not covered under Medicare, Eskenazi has been subsidizing the program since 2008. However, the model’s creators wanted to expand the model to other parts of Indiana and the country. The team collaborated with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services to create a payment model.

For the patient and family, there is no co-pay. Medicare will pay the care providers who are enrolled in the care program a monthly flat fee to cover all of the services.