DEMENTIA CARE PROGRAM in Western North Carolina
Dementia Care
Dementia is a condition that impacts memory, behavior, and daily functioning. Common symptoms include confusion, memory loss, difficulty completing everyday tasks, personality changes, and impaired judgment.
At Carolina Caring, we understand the challenges this brings, not only for the person living with dementia, but also for their loved ones.
Through home visits, symptom management, and professional guidance, our specialized teams help people with dementia receive care at home, with support available 24 hours a day. Care is designed for patients at any stage of diagnosis, with services for both patients and family caregivers throughout western North Carolina.
To learn more about our dementia care services, call 828.466.0466 or contact us online.
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How We Help:
- Care coordination
- Symptom management
- At-home medical visits
- Respite care
- Caregiver education
- Emotional and spiritual guidance
Certified Training and Care
Trained by a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), our clinical teams are prepared to care for patients at any age and any stage of a dementia diagnosis. We also partner with National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) to remain up to date on dementia care resources and best practices.
Goals of Dementia Care
Our program is designed to relieve the symptoms and challenges of dementia, helping seniors stay out of the hospital and remain in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible.
Services Include:
- Individualized Care Plans: Tailored to address your dementia symptoms.
- In-Home Visits: A comprehensive team specializing in dementia care will make scheduled visits to your home. Patients may also reach a clinical team member 24/7 by phone or via telehealth.
- Symptom Management: Working with you, your loved ones, and providers to identify medications that promote stability and comfort.
- Family Support: Resources, education, and hands-on strategies to increase caregiver confidence and reduce stress.
Patricia Bortnick, FNP-C, ACHPN
Program Leader
Patricia Bortnick’s nursing career spans over 33 years, including 25 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner and 13 years working at Carolina Caring. In addition to obtaining degrees from East Tennessee State University, Winston Salem State University, and Gardner-Webb University, Bortnick is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and certified as a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Advanced Care Nurse Practitioner. She has directed our Dementia Care Program since its launch in Summer 2025.
Palliative Medicine & The Guide Model of Care
Carolina Caring is proud to be approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model of Care.
Through GUIDE, palliative medicine patients who meet certain eligibility requirements now have access to expanded support and resources, including:
- Ongoing check-ins and Care from a specialized team of nurses, nurse practitioners, chaplains, & physicians
- Access to 24/7 support via phone
- May qualify for limited respite hours for caregiver support
- Community Resources and more…
Eligibility
- Must have Medicare A/B and be approved by CMS
- Must have documented diagnoses of dementia
- Must be 21 and older, living at home
Community Training: Several staff members are qualified to lead Dementia Friends information sessions, helping communities understand the impact of dementia and simple ways to offer support.
Contact us online or call 828.466.0466 to learn more about Dementia Care program goals, the GUIDE Model, patient eligibility criteria, and Carolina Caring’s mission to provide compassionate care for all.
Dementia Care at Home
What Our Patients Say
Our Community
Carolina Caring offers compassionate dementia care along with palliative and hospice care across western North Carolina.
Send A Message
Contact Form
If you are a current patient or caregiver with Carolina Caring and need to speak to someone about your care, please call our main line at 828.466.0466. For all other inquires please complete this contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia Care
What is Carolina Caring's dementia care program?
Our healthcare team provides specialized dementia services for elderly patients and their caregivers throughout western North Carolina. As dementia progresses, our patient-centered philosophy ensures that exceptional care is the focus and optimal outcomes are the goal. We offer comprehensive support that addresses medical, emotional, and practical needs for both patients and families.
Who is eligible for dementia care services?
You may be eligible for our dementia care services once a doctor diagnoses you or your loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other memory-related conditions. Our services are available for patients with various stages of dementia who need specialized support and symptom management.
Is dementia care covered by Medicare?
Yes, for eligible patients. Carolina Caring is an approved participant in the CMS GUIDE Model of Care, which covers dementia care navigation services for qualifying Medicare A/B patients living at home with a documented dementia diagnosis. This includes access to a specialized care team, 24/7 support, and in some cases caregiver respite hours. Contact us to learn whether you or your loved one qualifies.
What services are included in Carolina Caring's dementia care program?
Our dementia care program includes regularly scheduled home care visits from nurses trained in dementia care, symptom management and medication oversight, dietary recommendations, caregiver education and support, respite care services, 24/7 on-call support, and coordination with your existing healthcare team. Social work and chaplain services are also available as needed. Care is overseen by our clinical team alongside your personal physician, with a personalized care plan for each patient. We also offer specialized programming for veterans facing dementia, with support tailored to their specific needs and background.
What insurance covers dementia care services?
We accept and bill:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Most private insurance plans.
Our team handles all insurance billing and authorization processes, so you can focus on your loved one’s care.
What does dementia care at home include?
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