Transforming Geriatric Care: A CNS-Led Journey Toward Age-Friendly Excellence

Clinical Nurse Specialist-led initiative to improve healthcare outcomes and safety for older adults through age-friendly care redesign. Using the CMS Age-Friendly Hospital Five-Domain Attestation Table, the team conducted a gap analysis and implemented the 4Ms framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—on a pilot medical-surgical unit. The project engaged hospital leadership and collaborated with nearby institutions to align care practices with national standards. Early implementation revealed workflow improvements and strong staff engagement. Outcome measures include fall rates, pressure injuries, readmissions, and ED length of stay. Full hospital-wide expansion is planned for 2026, positioning this initiative as a scalable model for improving geriatric care quality and safety.

Analyze the role of Clinical Nurse Specialists in leading age-friendly care redesign initiatives that improve safety and outcomes for older adults.

Apply the CMS Age-Friendly Hospital Five-Domain Attestation framework to identify gaps and guide process improvement strategies within their own healthcare settings.