Memory care operators and health systems have the opportunity to collaborate and improve dementia care while demonstrating value through cost savings and improved outcomes. Dr. John Sawyer, co-director at the Center for Brain Health of Ochsner Health, envisions a future where both parties can offer more support to caregivers and better care to patients. However, the senior living and healthcare industries face challenges in this regard.
Currently, the main model for specialists is ‘diagnose and adios’, which involves giving a dementia diagnosis and referring patients to resources without ongoing support. This approach is not ideal for providing comprehensive care.
By focusing on value in dementia care, memory care operators are adopting value-based care models to enhance health outcomes. For example, keeping individuals with dementia at home through care coordination and caregiver support can lead to significant cost savings for families.
Ochsner Health’s Care Ecosystem program, developed in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco, is a care management program that aims to support people living with dementia. The organization is conducting a study to assess the program’s effectiveness and has received a grant for this purpose.
Memory care providers are also participating in the GUIDE program by CMS, which focuses on improving the dementia care experience for individuals and providing 24/7 support. This program aligns well with the Care Ecosystem model and offers new payment systems for participating providers.
Looking ahead, Sawyer sees opportunities for growth in value-based care models in the memory care industry. By addressing staffing issues and supporting care staff, senior living operators can enhance the quality of care for residents with dementia. Collaborating with healthcare organizations and implementing innovative solutions will be key in meeting the future challenges of dementia care.
