Care For the Whole Person, For Those Who Need it Most

Guided Care is a new solution to the growing challenge of caring for older adults with chronic conditions and complex health needs. A Guided Care Nurse, based in a primary care office, works with patients and their families to improve their quality of life and make more efficient use of health services. The nurse assesses patient needs, monitors conditions, educates and empowers the patient, and works with community agencies to ensure that the patient’s healthcare goals are met.

In a pilot study, patients who received Guided Care rated their quality of care significantly higher than patients who received usual care. In addition, the average insurance costs for Guided Care patients were 25% lower over a six month period. The program is currently being tested at eight primary care sites in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area in a randomized trial involving over 900 patients, 300 caregivers, and 48 primary care physicians.