As we age, medical care becomes increasingly intertwined with our daily lives. However, there is room for improvement in how healthcare providers address the unique needs and preferences of patients. The article “Age-Friendly Health Care: Speaking Up About What Matters to You” Medically Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario from WebMD, explores three key takeaways: the importance of speaking up, the emergence of age-friendly health care, and the significance of personalized care in ensuring the well-being of patients.
- Speak Up: To receive the best possible care, patients must actively engage with their healthcare providers, articulating what truly matters to them and setting health goals. Rather than passively relying on professionals to make decisions, open and honest communication is essential. By expressing their aspirations and priorities, individuals can influence their treatment plans and medication regimens. For instance, sharing a desire to engage in a specific activity might lead to adjustments in surgical schedules or the development of tailored physical therapy plans to maintain mobility. Patient Priorities Care provides a valuable guide to help individuals determine their priorities and effectively communicate them to their healthcare team.
- Age-Friendly Health Care: The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative is a progressive movement that emphasizes patient-centric care for older adults. It centers around the 4Ms: “what matters,” “mentation,” “mobility,” and “medication.” By actively listening to patients, healthcare providers can better understand their evolving goals and care preferences. Addressing mental health concerns, promoting mobility, and prescribing age-friendly medications are vital components of this initiative. Over 2,500 healthcare organizations, including CVS Health’s MinuteClinic locations, have already been recognized for their commitment to age-friendly care.
- Personalized Care Matters: An outdated approach that focuses solely on diagnosing medical conditions is being replaced by one that emphasizes personalized care. The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative encourages healthcare providers to shift their mindset from asking “what’s the matter with you?” to “what matters to you?” By recognizing patients as experts in their own lives, doctors and nurses can deliver care tailored to individual needs. This involves open discussions about memory, mental health, and medication effects. Patients should voice concerns and provide feedback on their medications to ensure that treatment aligns with their goals.
Every care setting, from hospitals to long-term care facilities, must prioritize the 4Ms and embrace patient-centered care.
For more information visit : https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/speak-up-health-matters?ecd=wnl_day_052023&ctr=wnl-day-052023_lead_cta&mb=JEXr%2FKBdlSDP1NkAm12%2FwoPvXzuwyR0BVklw6xV98uA%3D
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