Community Nursing Services Recognized as One of the First Age-Friendly Health Systems in Utah

We are proud to announce that Community Nursing Services has been recognized as a level 1 Age-Friendly Health System. We are one of the very first home health agencies to be recognized in the state of Utah. At CNS, we are dedicated to integrating the 4M principles into our home health and hospice programs, offering specialized care that meets the diverse needs of our patients. Whether through providing comfort and dignity in hospice care or delivering high-quality, cost-effective home health services, we aim to support each patient in their preferred environment while respecting their personal goals and preferences.

As we look ahead to 2030, when one in five Americans is projected to be 65 years or older, the need for effective, age-friendly health systems (AFHS) becomes increasingly critical. These systems are designed to provide person-centered care that enhances the health and well-being of older adults while preventing avoidable harm. Central to this approach are the "4M's," which guide the delivery of comprehensive care throughout all healthcare settings.

In healthcare, especially for older adults, the 4Ms framework is crucial for delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care. Let’s break down what these four essential components involve:

1. What Matters: This first element prioritizes the patient's personal goals and preferences in their care. At Community Nursing Services, we exemplify this through our home health and hospice programs which respects and caters to each patient’s wishes, all within the comfort of their own home. We also provide support to families during these important times.

2. Medication: Effective medication management is key to safe and effective care. This includes making sure that medications are correctly prescribed, adjusting dosages as needed, and discontinuing any drugs that could be harmful. Our medical professionals are dedicated to guiding and educating patients to ease concerns about their medication regimen.

3. Mentation: This aspect focuses on a person’s mental health and cognitive function, including mood, memory, and conditions like depression and dementia. Assessing and managing mental capacity is vital as it can reveal important information about a patient’s overall health.

4. Mobility: Ensuring that patients can move safely and maintain their ability to perform daily activities is the goal of this component. Proper mobility support helps patients maintain independence and function, which is crucial for their overall well-being.

Incorporating the 4Ms into our age-friendly health system not only enhances patient care but also promotes more efficient and cost-effective services. By focusing on these four areas, we strive to improve outcomes and quality of life for our patients.

You might wonder why the 4Ms—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—are particularly emphasized in the care of older adults, rather than being a standard across all healthcare settings. While these principles are indeed valuable for patients of all ages, their specific application to older adults is due to unique health risks and needs associated with aging.

As people grow older, the likelihood of developing chronic health conditions increases. Many older adults manage one or more chronic conditions, each requiring specialized care. This makes the 4Ms particularly relevant for their health management. For instance, medications can have different effects on older individuals compared to younger people, necessitating meticulous medication management to avoid adverse reactions and ensure effectiveness.

Moreover, navigating medical terminology and healthcare procedures can be challenging for older adults. The 4Ms framework helps by simplifying care processes and focusing on clear, understandable communication. This approach ensures that care is not only tailored to individual needs but also aligned with the specific health goals of older patients. By prioritizing the 4Ms, healthcare providers can better address the complexities of aging, offering a more personalized and effective approach to care that enhances the overall well-being of older adults.

The application of the 4Ms can vary significantly based on the patient's situation. For instance, in hospice care, the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life for the time the patient has left. At Community Nursing Service (CNS), we are committed to ensuring that every individual can pass with dignity and in their preferred setting, surrounded by loved ones. Our hospice program is designed to prioritize comfort and manage symptoms effectively, allowing patients to receive the care they need or desire in their final days.

Conversely, our home health program serves a different purpose. Here, the goal is to enable patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving high-quality care. This approach not only supports patients in maintaining their preferred living environment but also offers a more cost-effective alternative to hospitalization or specialty care, which can be prohibitively expensive. Home health care from CNS is available for patients of all ages and is personalized to meet each individual's needs and outcome goals.

Our home health services ensure expert, tailored care designed to enhance each patient’s quality of life. Whether through hospice care focusing on comfort or home health services aimed at maintaining independence, CNS is dedicated to delivering compassionate and effective care aligned with the unique needs and preferences of every patient.

Liza Johnson, Vice President of Clinical Services at Community Nursing Services, is dedicated to training the clinical staff to deliver exceptional patient care. Reflecting her deep understanding of the services provided, Johnson shared, "We are excited to be one of the very first home health programs recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System and look forward to participating in the advancement of this area within healthcare. CNS strives towards excellence and upholds our mission statement through the 4Ms."

Community Nursing Services is honored to be among the pioneering home health agencies in Utah recognized as a Level 1 Age-Friendly Health System. Our commitment to integrating the 4Ms—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—into both our home health and hospice programs ensures that we provide care that is not only compassionate but also tailored to the diverse needs of our patients. As we move towards 2030 and face the growing demand for age-friendly care, our focus remains on enhancing quality of life and delivering person-centered care that aligns with each patient's unique goals and preferences. By upholding these principles, we aim to set a standard for excellence in healthcare that respects the dignity and individuality of every person we serve. As Liza Johnson aptly expressed, we are excited to advance this critical area of healthcare and continue our mission of excellence through the 4Ms.