North Oaks Health Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Person-Centered Care

North Oaks Health has received national recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System Participant from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

The recognition acknowledges North Oaks' implementation of the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility. This evidence-based approach helps ensure care is guided by each patient's goals while promoting safer, higher-quality outcomes for older adults. The framework also reinforces person-centered practices that strengthen care across the health system for patients of every age.

“North Oaks Health’s participation in IHI’s Age-Friendly Health System initiative reflects our commitment to delivering care that begins with listening to our patients, understanding their goals and providing the right care at the right time,” affirms Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, President and CEO of North Oaks Health. “While the Age-Friendly Health Systems framework is designed to improve care for older adults, the principles behind it enhance the care experience for all patients. We're honored to receive this recognition as our team continues advancing our mission to improve lives.”

The 4Ms Framework focuses on four essential elements of age-friendly care:

• What Matters – Understanding each person’s health goals and care preferences and ensuring those priorities guide clinical decisions
• Medication – Using medications that support, rather than interfere with, an individual’s goals, mobility and cognitive health
• Mentation – Preventing, identifying, treating and managing dementia, depression and delirium
• Mobility – Helping people move safely every day to maintain strength, function and independence.

The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative is led by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States.

North Oaks joins a growing network of health care organizations across the United States that are internationally committed to improving the care of older adults through this proven framework.

“Healthy aging doesn't begin later in life. It's influenced by the care we receive throughout our lives,” notes Rami Nelson, Chief Quality and Health Equity Officer for North Oaks Health. “Implementing the 4Ms gives our providers, nurses and care teams a consistent, evidence-based approach that helps us deliver safer, more personalized care while supporting the health, independence and quality of life of the people we serve.”

North Oaks’ commitment to healthy aging extends beyond the clinical setting and into the community. Through outreach efforts like its Healthy Aging Fair, North Oaks connects older adults and their caregivers with health screenings, educational resources, seminars and local support services designed to help them remain active, independent and engaged. These efforts complement the Age-Friendly Health Systems framework by empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed health decisions throughout the aging process.

As part of its Age-Friendly Health Systems journey, North Oaks Health will continue building on this achievement by expanding the use of the 4Ms Framework and strengthening its commitment to person-centered, evidence-based care and outreach for the Northshore.