Ginger Gifford
As more adults live longer, the way we care for older patients matters more than ever. At Methodist, we’ve built an approach that honors not only the medical needs of older adults but also their goals, dignity and independence. It’s care that sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
In recognition of Older Americans Month, here’s an overview of what age‑friendly care looks like in action — and how Methodist is leading the way.
What makes Methodist’s approach to caring for older adults stand out?
Our care is intentionally designed around the unique needs of older adults. It’s a system aligned around age-friendly principles and essential elements of care known as the 4Ms — What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility.
Nurses, physicians, pharmacists, therapists and care coordinators all work from the same foundation — “What Matters” most to each patient. That consistency allows us to deliver excellent, highly personalized care that respects each person’s goals.
Together, the 4Ms also help teams focus on what truly improves outcomes — aligning care with a patient’s goals, avoiding medication‑related harm, preventing delirium and maintaining function. They also give us a shared language that strengthens communication across the system.
Is one of the 4Ms more impactful than the others?
Their strength is in how they work together. But “What Matters” often becomes the anchor. When we understand a patient’s goals, it guides how we approach medications, protect cognitive function and promote mobility. It shifts the focus from treating diseases to preserving dignity and independence.
What is the AgeWISE program, and how does it support older adults and their families?
AgeWISE is a geropalliative nurse residency that strengthens nurses’ expertise in caring for older adults. Participants receive advanced training in age‑friendly care, cognitive impairment, dementia, delirium, communication and end‑of‑life care. For patients and families, this means more compassionate, knowledgeable and patient‑centered support.
How has AgeWISE evolved, and what impact has it had?
We’ve seen more palliative care consults as well as improvements in delirium prevention, mobility and overall patient experience. Nurses report greater confidence and less moral distress, which strengthens the entire care environment.
Methodist was the first in the region to adopt NICHE. Why was that important?
NICHE — Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders — formalized Methodist’s commitment to geriatric excellence. It provides evidence‑based resources that elevate nursing practice. Achieving Exemplar status illustrates that we’re truly sustaining best practices across the organization.
What outcomes have you seen since implementing NICHE?
We’ve seen improvements in fall and pressure injury prevention, delirium management, and patient satisfaction. But the biggest impact is consistency. No matter where a patient receives care across Methodist Health System, they can expect the same high standard of age‑friendly support.
What do you wish more people understood about caring for older adults?
Small actions make a big difference. Helping someone stay active and taking time to understand their goals can completely change their quality of life. Caring for older adults requires intention and respect. When it’s done right, the impact is profound.
What moments from your work in geriatrics stay with you?
The moments that stay with me aren’t the clinical milestones — they’re the deeply human ones. I think of nurses arranging a wedding for a patient who wished to marry his longtime partner, or turning routine walking into “walking bingo” to make mobility fun. These moments remind me that healing isn’t only about curing disease — it’s about dignity, connection and joy.
About the author
Ginger Gifford, MSN, RN, SCRN, patient care service executive at Methodist Hospital, is a passionate advocate for age‑friendly care across inpatient and outpatient settings.
Find a provider or learn more about Methodist’s geriatric and senior services at the bestcare.org/geriatrics-and-seniors.
