As you may know, by 2030 seven to eight million American baby boomers will be 65+ years old, and the U.S. Census Bureau has named Maine as the oldest state in the country. To help support older Mainers, St. Joseph Healthcare has taken steps to adapt its services to better accommodate the healthcare needs of older adults. More specifically, on October 30, St. Joe’s celebrated the opening of 9 Age-Friendly updated rooms on one of its in-patient care units.
“The renovations were made possible thanks to the leadership of Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King who supported a $1.5 million grant,” said J. Bradford Coffey, Esq., Covenant Health senior vice president and foundation president. “The project was also partially funded through donations to The Campaign for St. Joe’s.”
What is Age-Friendly Healthcare?
It’s an effort that focuses on making sure every older person gets the best care possible, isn’t hurt and is happy with their care. It focuses on these 4Ms:
- What Matters – Matching care to what an older adult would like.
- Medication – Prescribing appropriate medicine.
- Mentation – Managing dementia, depression and more.
- Mobility – Ensuring an older adult safely moves every day.
The unit’s specific improvements include:
- New Paint Colors – The light-colored paint creates a soothing environment to promote healing and creates contrast to assist with depth awareness.
- New Furniture – Including comfortable patient recliners that are easier to maneuver.
- Improved Lighting – Brighter, dimmable and auto on/off mode lights help accommodate older adults who may have trouble seeing.
- Upgraded Flooring – Features slip resistant materials to prevent falls in the bathroom.
- Higher Toilets and Handrails – Allow for safer use of the bathroom for patients.
- New Handrails in Patient Rooms – Assist older adults who may struggle with balance or weakness.
- Updated Showers – Allow for easy walk-in and a built-in bench for patients who may need to sit while bathing.
- New Whiteboards – Larger words and more organized care directions that include the 4Ms.
- Larger Televisions – Allow patients with trouble seeing to watch television.
- Room Signage – Assists patients to find their rooms by picking an image that is familiar to them.
- Comfort Care Rooms – Offer lounge chairs for family to comfortably spend the night.
- Additional Ceiling Lifts – Help with safely moving patients.
“We’re on a continuing journey to deliver patient-centered care,” says Lynn King, RN, senior director clinical. “We’ve prioritized implementing age-friendly healthcare improvements because they greatly improve the overall safety and well-being of our older patients.”
Roland Joy, MSN, RN, vice president of patient care services, adds, “Mainers are living longer, more active lives. Therefore, we’re trying to serve them with care that is complete and compassionate as well as an environment that is welcoming, comfortable and safe.”
To learn about the grant that helped St. Joe’s implement these age-friendly renovations, please click here.
