Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento (SSC) has earned the prestigious Age-Friendly Health System Level 2 – Committed to Care Excellence designation from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a recognition for outstanding contributions of our nursing and interprofessional team. This achievement reflects months of dedicated work, collaboration, and innovation, led by a team of passionate RN geriatric champions.
To earn the recognition, three months of data were collected on adult patients, ages 65 years and older, who received a set of evidence-based elements of high-quality care, known as the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. Achieving Level 2 designation (the highest level possible) means that SSC not only understands these four principles but has also effectively implemented them to improve patient outcomes.
The initiative began in January 2025, and included Vincent Gaite, MSN, RN, CMSRN, and Shavinderpal Sanga, MSN, RN, CNS, ACCNS-AG, GERO-BC, who were joined by Kacee Clyne, MSN, RN, CNML, NE-BC, CNL, GERO-BC, CCRN, PHN and Geriatric Champions Nekishaun Henderson, BSN, RN, GERO-BC; Lisa Martinez, RN; Shelby Kolb, BSN, RN, GERO-BC; Gulmira Seilkhan, RN; De’Lana Mizell, BSN, RN, TCRN; Navjot Kaur, BSN, RN; Pradeep Daval, BSN, RN; and Anecia Mayes, BSN, RN. Together, the team launched a pilot on 3 North, focusing on staff education and incorporating the 4Ms into routine patient care. Their work centered on identifying what matters most to each patient, ensuring medication safety, supporting cognitive health, and promoting mobility; essential care elements for older adults.
Following the pilot, data was collected and analyzed to ensure that every patient over 65 received care aligned with the 4Ms criteria. They conducted unit rounding, provided ongoing education, and collaborated across departments to drive continuous improvement. The nursing team’s leadership in huddles, staff meetings, and monthly unit practice council sessions fostered a culture of age-friendly care and set a new standard for excellence.
This recognition not only honors the collective commitment of our nurses but also serves as a testament to their role in transforming the patient experience for older adults.