Program at Marcus Neuroscience Institute Offers Hope, Support for Families Facing Dementia

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month— a time to shine a light on the millions of individuals and families impacted by dementia. As part of this important observance, Marcus Neuroscience Institute is sharing a new initiative aimed at transforming how dementia care is delivered in the community.

Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida and located at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, has joined a nationwide initiative called the GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience). This innovative program, launching July 1, 2025, is designed to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia while easing the burden on the family members and caregivers who support them every day.

“Participating in the GUIDE program is a testament to Marcus Neuroscience Institute’s commitment to delivering exceptional care to our patients and their families,” said G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., a neurologist and director of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health. “We are dedicated to not only improving the lives of those living with dementia but also supporting the caregivers who are so crucial to their well-being.”

The GUIDE Model aims to fill critical gaps in dementia care that currently affect millions of U.S. adults. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 6.7 million Americans were living with dementia in 2023, and that number is projected to rise to 14 million by 2060. Many of these individuals live with multiple chronic conditions and receive fragmented care, which leads to high rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

G. Peter Gliebus, M.D., neurologist and director of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

“It's a comprehensive plan for patients that have a major neurocognitive disorder,” explained Sandi Zelniker, clinical social worker and care navigator at Marcus Neuroscience Institute who talked about the program during a recent Baptist HealthTalk Podcast. “It’s going to be an amazing program. It's going to offer 24-hour access to somebody on the care team. There will be a number of people that you can call. It's going to offer educational classes through our support groups as we're collaborating with the patient's primary care physician and/or referring provider — whether it be a neurologist, a cardiologist, or other specialist.”

In addition to the physical challenges, people with dementia often experience behavioral health symptoms and need 24/7 support — a responsibility that places a tremendous emotional, physical, and financial strain on family caregivers.

The GUIDE Model introduces a standardized approach to dementia care that includes:

• 24/7 Access to Support: Around-the-clock availability of care team members for patients and caregivers.
• Caregiver Education and Support: Training, guidance, and emotional support to better manage caregiving responsibilities.
• Enhanced Care Coordination: Collaborative planning with primary care and specialty providers to reduce fragmented care.
• Home-Based Focus: Helping individuals with dementia remain safely in their homes longer, potentially delaying or preventing nursing home placement.

If you or a loved one is navigating the challenges of dementia, the GUIDE program could be a transformative resource — offering compassionate, coordinated care and vital support every step of the way. For more information, call 561-955-4600 or visit our website at Marcus Neuroscience Institute | Boca Raton | Baptist Health.