New dementia care services to launch for Memphis, Shelby County
By JR Robinson
CEO & Co-Founder, JustMy & JustMyMemphis
Board Member, Meritan
As CEO & Co-Founder of JustMy and JustMyMemphis, and as a proud Board Member of Meritan, I’ve seen firsthand how dementia touches the lives of so many in Memphis and Shelby County. Today, I’m honored to share news that brings hope and support to our community: Beginning July 1, 2025, Meritan will launch its Dementia Care Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) GUIDE Model.
Understanding Dementia: More Than Memory Loss
Dementia isn’t a single disease—it’s a category of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but there are others, like frontotemporal and vascular dementia. Symptoms often start subtly: forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty with familiar tasks. As the illness progresses, people may experience personality changes, language problems, and eventually, the inability to recognize loved ones or care for themselves.
Dementia typically progresses through three stages—early, middle, and late. In the early stage, people may have mild memory lapses and personality changes but can often maintain independence. The middle stage brings increased confusion, behavioral changes, and a greater need for daily support. In the late stage, individuals require full-time care, often losing the ability to communicate, walk, or swallow. The journey can last many years, with each stage bringing new challenges for families.
The Ripple Effect: How Dementia Impacts Families
The effects of dementia extend far beyond the person diagnosed. For families and caregivers, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming. More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for someone with dementia, a number that continues to grow.
Emotional and Physical Strain:
Caring for a loved one with dementia is often a full-time job. Daily tasks like bathing, meal preparation, medication management, and constant supervision can leave caregivers exhausted and isolated. Behavioral changes—such as aggression, wandering, or agitation—can be especially difficult to manage. Many caregivers experience burnout, anxiety, and depression, with rates of psychological distress significantly higher than in other caregiving roles.
Financial Burden:
The financial impact is staggering. Dementia care can last up to 15 years, with cumulative direct and indirect expenses sometimes exceeding $750,000 per family. Many caregivers must reduce work hours or leave jobs entirely, and out-of-pocket costs for supplies, home modifications, and specialized care add up quickly. Even with insurance or long-term care coverage, families often face significant financial strain.
Social Isolation:
As caregiving responsibilities grow, many families find themselves cut off from friends, hobbies, and support networks. The sense of loss is profound—not only mourning the gradual changes in their loved one, but also the life they once knew. Caregivers may feel guilt, frustration, and helplessness, making it even harder to seek help or take time for themselves.
A New Chapter: How Meritan’s Dementia Care Services Will Help
This is why Meritan’s new Dementia Care Services are so vital for Memphis and Shelby County. Through the CMS GUIDE Model, Meritan will offer:
Personalized care coordination and management
Education and support for caregivers
Respite services to provide caregivers with much-needed breaks
A focus on helping people with dementia remain in their homes and communities
These services are designed to ease the burden on families, improve quality of life for those living with dementia, and ensure that no one in our community faces this journey alone.
How to Access Services
Referrals are being accepted now, with assessments beginning July 1, 2025. To start the process, email guide@meritan.org or fax 1-800-863-9895. For more information about eligibility and the admission process, visit meritan.org or see the CMS GUIDE Model FAQ.
Standing Together for a Stronger Community
Launching this program is more than an organizational milestone—it’s a promise to our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and supported. As President Jimmy Carter said, “The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.” At Meritan, we’re proud to uphold that standard for Memphis and Shelby County.
If your family is facing the challenges of dementia, know that help is coming. And if you know someone who could benefit, please share this news. Together, we can build a more compassionate community—one where every person touched by dementia receives the care and dignity they deserve.
For more information, contact guide@meritan.org or call (901) 766-0600.