FAQ

With the U.S. population age 65+ expected to nearly double in the next 30 years it is imperative that the health care system meet the needs of those they serve. Age friendly health care is care informed by the Age-Friendly Health System initiative of the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). It is a shift in how the health care system delivers high-quality care that aligns with what matters to the older adult and their family. This framework emphasizes reliably providing a set of four evidence-based care known as the "4Ms" to all older adults: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. 

Research shows that 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. With each additional chronic disease and accompanying medication the complexity of care increases exponentially. Until now, most health care has been provided in a silo. By shifting to a framework of age-friendly health care, older adults can rest assured they are being provided the best, most comprehensive care they so deserve. Providing care specialized to the needs of older adults has shown to increase patient satisfaction, improve health outcomes, and reduce the amount of time spent in the hospital. 

By incorporating the 4Ms into their plan of care your patients will received specialized care tailored to them and their individual needs. With this multi-disciplinary approach to care patients will be given the opportunity to voice what matters most to them. Pharmacists and providers will work together to ensure medications are optimized, avoiding those that can be problematic in older adults. Mentation will be assessed regularly to reduce the risk of developing delirium. And lastly, patients will be mobilized early and often to improve their overall well-being and help them heal faster.

You can learn more about Age-Friendly Health Systems by visiting the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (ihi.org) or The John A. Hartford Foundation (johnahartford.org) websites.