Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming — especially when families don’t know what support exists, which programs are legitimate, or where to even begin.
In this episode of the Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast, I’m joined by Cliff Shaw, owner of ComForCare Home Care Central San Jose, to break down one of the most important — and misunderstood — new programs families will soon hear about: the Medicare GUIDE Program.
GUIDE stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, and it’s designed to support people living with dementia and the family caregivers who are often stretched to the breaking point.
Cliff brings a rare perspective to this conversation. With over 30 years of sales experience, including more than two decades in medical sales and healthcare leadership, he understands the healthcare ecosystem at a deeper level than most home care owners. In this episode, he explains GUIDE in plain language — without the government jargon.
We discuss:
What the Medicare GUIDE Program actually is — and what it is not
Who qualifies and what families can expect
How GUIDE provides care coordination and caregiver support
Why most families will receive a Medicare letter without clear guidance
How respite care under GUIDE can help reduce caregiver burnout
Why very few home care agencies are prepared to participate — and how ComForCare is different
If you’re caring for someone with dementia — or you work with families navigating senior care — this is an episode you’ll want to hear before those Medicare letters arrive.
👤 About Today’s Guest: Cliff Shaw
Cliff Shaw has accumulated over 30 years of experience in sales, beginning in the technology sector before transitioning into medical sales more than two decades ago, including leadership roles in sales management.
Today, Cliff is the owner of ComForCare Home Care Central San Jose, a locally owned home care agency providing non-medical home care services to seniors and their families throughout the San Jose area.
ComForCare Home Care Central San Jose is committed to helping older adults live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Their team specializes in quick response times, in-depth in-home evaluations, and personalized care plans that meet each client’s unique needs.
Services include assistance with:
Bathing and personal hygiene
Dressing and mobility support
Light housekeeping
Appointment scheduling
Medication reminders
And much more
Cliff and his team are personally invested in supporting both seniors and the family caregivers walking alongside them.
📞 Contact Cliff Shaw & ComForCare Home Care Central San Jose
📍 ComForCare Home Care Central San Jose
📞 Main: 669-333-3141
📞 Direct: 669-333-3088
📧 Email: central-sanjose@comforcare.com
🌐 Website: https://www.comforcare.com/California/central-sanjose
Social Media
Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/ComForCareHomeCentralSanJose/
Instagram: @comforcare_central_sanjose
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/96141638
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clifford.a.shaw
📄Show notes: https://simplifyseniortransitions.com/dementia-care-in-the-bay-area-how-the-medicare-guide-program-supports-families
If this episode helped you better understand dementia care, caregiving support, or the Medicare GUIDE Program, please consider leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Reviews help more families find the show — and the resources they need — during incredibly stressful moments.
And if you’re navigating a senior transition yourself,
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