Age-Friendly Health System
In an Age-Friendly Health System, every older adult gets the best care possible, is not harmed by health care, and is highly satisfied with the care they receive. This is achieved when the health system addresses the 4Ms:
- What Matters to the older adult and their family, aligning the care plan with older adult preferences
- Mobility – keeping older adults moving at their highest level possible
- Medication – decreasing high risk medications and the overall number of medications prescribed to the older adult
- Mentation, or Mind – screening for and treating depression, delirium, and dementia
“Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA). The goal of the initiative is to rapidly spread the 4Ms Framework to 20 percent of US hospitals and medical practices by 2020.” –IHI
This 4Ms electronic brochure for older adults and families was co-designed by older adults and family caregivers, in partnership with Rush University Medical Center and Community Catalyst. The brochures are available in English and Spanish.
