Kaiser Permanente recognized for high-quality care to older patients

Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center is being nationally recognized for providing high-quality care to older patients. The hospital is one of only 252 hospitals in the United States designated as a level 2 Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

“We know how important it is to meet our patients’ needs, and Marin County has a large aging population with many needing care and treatment for health issues,” said Dr. Naveen Kumar, MD, physician in chief at Kaiser Permanente San Rafael. “Our physicians, nurses, and staff are ready to address common aging concerns, including memory loss, managing medications, and ways to stay independent at home. We want our senior patients to live their fullest lives for years to come.”

According to the 2020 United States Census, about 18 percent of the population — 1 in 6 people — is age 65 and older. By 2054, approximately 23 percent of the population (85 million people) will be age 65 and older.

Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing high-quality care to our older adult patients in a safe and healing environment using evidence-based standards that are focused on meeting the needs and desires of the patient and their families.

The “4Ms” make up the framework of an Age-Friendly Health System:

• What Matters: Honoring health goals and preferences
• Medication: Ensuring proper medication management
• Mentation: Screening for and addressing issues that affect cognitive health like delirium, dementia, and depression
• Mobility: Maintaining mobility and preventing falls

The level 2 designation — the highest possible — means that a health care system not only understands these principles but has also effectively implemented them to improve patient outcomes.

“This recognition highlights Kaiser Permanente San Rafael’s commitment to advancing the quality of care for our patients throughout their entire life journey,” said Tarek Salaway, senior vice president and area manager at Kaiser Permanente’s Golden Gate service area. “Our mission has always been to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve, in all stages of their lives, from young family members to seniors living their best lives.”

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About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.