Columbia Memorial Health Recognized for Age-Friendly Care
Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) has been recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System for its commitment to caring for older hospitalized patients in a manner that prioritizes their quality of life while meeting their health goals. The honor comes from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the John A. Hartford Foundation, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association.
The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative aims to help health care organizations implement a set of evidence-based interventions specifically designed to improve care for older adults. It is based on what are considered the 4Ms of caring for older patients: What Matters; Medication; Mentation; and Mobility. These interventions prioritize each patient’s specific health outcome goals, carefully monitor medication so that it doesn’t interfere with those goals, assess the mental health of each patient, and ensure patients can move safely and maintain function.
“This designation reflects our staff’s commitment to tailoring care to meet the needs of our elder population, and to treat them with compassion and dignity so they can continue to live their lives to the fullest,” said Stephanie Hisgen, chief nursing officer of Columbia Memorial Health. “It also highlights our ability to provide all members of our community with care that best fits their unique needs.”
CMH’s 13 primary care centers were previously recognized as age-friendly in 2022. As the largest primary care provider in Columbia and Greene counties, the award reflects the importance of primary care as a critical resource for all people and communities.
“As our population ages, access to primary and specialty care is of utmost importance, CMH is committed to growing its primary care offerings and ensuring a seamless transition to specialty services or higher levels of care—ensuring our community receives the care it needs, when it needs it,” said CMH President and CEO Dorothy M. Urschel.