The Age-Friendly Health System Imperative

The unprecedented changes happening in the American healthcare system have many on high alert as they try to anticipate legislative actions. Significant efforts to move from volume to value, along with changing incentives and alternative payment models, will affect practice and the health system budget. In tandem, growth in the population aged 65 and older is celebratory and daunting. The John A. Hartford Foundation is partnering with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to envision an age-friendly health system of the future. Our current prototyping for new ways of addressing the complex and interrelated needs of older adults provides great promise for a more-effective, patient-directed, safer healthcare system. Proactive models that address potential health needs, prevent avoidable harms, and improve care of people with complex needs are essential. The robust engagement of family caregivers, along with an appreciation for the value of excellent communication across care settings, is at the heart of our work. Five early-adopter health systems are testing the prototypes with continuous improvement efforts that will streamline and enhance our approach to geriatric care.