OU Health Memory Care Clinic Reaches 1,000th Referral Milestone, Delivering Innovative Dementia Care to Oklahomans

The OU Health Memory Care Clinic recently marked a major milestone in its mission to improve the lives of Oklahomans living with dementia, having received 1,000 patient referrals since opening just two years ago.

This achievement reflects both the tremendous community need and the clinic’s success as a model for innovative, evidence-based dementia care.

The OU Health Memory Care Clinic is one of only a few dedicated memory care clinics in the region offering specialized, multidisciplinary support for patients experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia. Unlike traditional care models, the clinic integrates comprehensive diagnostic services, longitudinal follow-up, caregiver support, and care coordination, all in one place.

“Our clinic was designed from the ground up to provide thoughtful, person-centered care for people living with dementia and their families,” said OU Health geriatrician Dr. Lee Jennings, M.D., associate professor and chief of the Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. “We bring together a team of specialists, from geriatricians and neuropsychologists to social workers, pharmacists, and behavioral health professionals, who work collaboratively to provide clear diagnoses, practical guidance, and long-term support.”

The clinic operates in close consultation with each patient’s primary care provider and collaborates across OU Health specialties, including neurology and psychiatry. Services include:

• Expert cognitive evaluations and behavioral symptom management
• Support for caregivers experiencing strain
• Guidance on safety, driving, medication risks, and advance care planning
• Individualized care planning and referrals to community resources

The Memory Care Clinic is also a proud participant in the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Program, a new national model developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). OU Health is the only provider in Oklahoma selected to participate in this program. Through the GUIDE Program, OU Health offers eligible Medicare beneficiaries:

• Personalized care plans and monthly check-ins
• 24/7 telephone support for patients and caregivers
• Respite care services — up to $2,500 per year based on eligibility
• Caregiver education, community-based resources, and home safety visits

Participation in the GUIDE Program enables the OU Health team to go beyond clinic visits to help patients remain safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible, while offering caregivers the tools and relief they need to sustain their role.

The John A. Hartford Foundation supports the wide implementation of evidence-based models for dementia care management, of which the OU Health Memory Care Clinic is a successful example.

“The 1,000th referral is not just a number, it’s a marker of trust from our community and a reflection of the life-changing care our team delivers every day,” said Dr. Jennings. “We are deeply grateful for our clinicians and team members who provide excellent, compassionate care, and to our patients who put their trust in us every day.”

As the number of Oklahomans living with dementia continues to rise, OU Health remains committed to transforming how memory care is delivered, centered on compassion, expertise, and the belief that no family should face dementia alone.

If you or a loved one is interested in learning more or seeing if you qualify for the GUIDE Program, call the OU Health Memory Care Clinic at (405) 271-8001, option 1, extension 30447, or visit OUHealth.com.