Episode 52

Caregivers, You’re Not Alone: Inside the New Medicare-Funded GUIDE Program

Published on: 11th June, 2025

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-changer
Why caregiver support is essential and often overlooked
Who qualifies for the program and how to apply
The 9 pillars of the GUIDE Program and what families receive
How Magnolia is building bridges between healthcare and community support
Why dementia care must include emotional, logistical, and medical support
The ripple effects of a dementia diagnosis on families
The importance of flexibility, education, and advocacy in care planning
How the GUIDE Program empowers families to remain at home longer
The emotional toll of caregiving and the urgent need for burnout prevention

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode

01:10 – Meet Dr. Lama Sibai and Alice Allen-Redfern

03:15 – The mission behind Magnolia

06:20 – What is the GUIDE Program?

12:55 – Who qualifies and how the program works

19:40 – Breaking down the 9 pillars of GUIDE

27:18 – Why caregiver support is essential

32:10 – How families can find participating GUIDE providers

37:22 – Emotional support, planning, and caregiver identity

45:50 – What makes Magnolia’s team unique

49:30 – The importance of a collaborative, flexible care model

55:45 – How GUIDE supports in-home and long-term care transitions

1:02:00 – Respite benefits and emotional care

1:07:10 – 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: https://www.magnoliacenter.org
GUIDE Program info and provider map: https://innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/guide
Alzheimer's Association
AARP article on GUIDE