Age-friendly mental health systems: A step toward geriatric competency

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Behavioral Health
• Health Systems Science

Background:

• The 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) is widely adopted for older adult care.
• Growing aging population necessitates expanded age-friendly healthcare models.
• Mental health professionals face challenges integrating into the existing 4Ms framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the 4Ms-Behavioral Health framework.
• Clarify the role of mental health professionals in age-friendly care.
• Align the new framework with geropsychology competencies.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development.
• Literature review of geropsychology guidelines.
• Analysis of existing 4Ms implementation.

Main Results:

• The 4Ms-Behavioral Health framework specifically addresses mental health integration.
• The framework enhances the Mentation and What Matters components for behavioral health.
• Demonstrates consistency with established geropsychology principles.

Conclusions:

• The 4Ms-Behavioral Health framework provides a clear pathway for mental health professionals in age-friendly systems.
• This specialized framework supports improved, integrated care for older adults.
• Enhances the application of age-friendly principles within mental health settings.