President’s Message – Age-Friendly Health System

We are thrilled to announce that the Milford Campus of Bridgeport Hospital has been recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as an Age-Friendly Health System – Committed to Care and Excellence. It is truly an honor to be applauded by the founding partners of this movement including The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States.

All older adults deserve safe, high-quality health care that is based on what matters most to them as individuals. The Milford Campus of Bridgeport Hospital is leading the way in making sure that this quality care is delivered every day. According to Dr. Denise Mohess, Co-Chief of Geriatric Medicine & Medical Director of Age Friendly Care, “We are a part of a national movement to improve the health of older adults and their families. The Committed to Care Excellence designation at the Milford Campus reflects our commitment to the community we serve.” As part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement, we are among the first health systems in the country implementing age-friendly health care.

The four essential elements of an Age-Friendly Health System are known as the 4Ms:

• What Matters: Know and align care with each older adult’s specific health outcome goals and care preferences.
• Medication: If medication is necessary, use Age-Friendly medication that do not interfere with What Matters to the older adult, Mobility, or Mentation.
• Mentation: Prevent, identify, treat, and manage dementia, depression, and delirium.
• Mobility: Ensure that older adults move safely every day in order to maintain function and do What Matters.