Age-Friendly Health System Summary Expansion Improves Care for Older Adults Across HMH

As a nationally designated Age-Friendly Health System, Hackensack University Medical Center’s Division of Geriatric Medicine is committed to helping physicians across the Hackensack Meridian Health network effectively address the often-complex care needs of older adults.

Over the past two years, in partnership with the system’s Geriatric Quality Council, the hospital’s Division of Geriatric Medicine has tested and rolled out a specialized 4 M Summary Report in the health system’s electronic medical record (EMR). The report offers data-driven insights to improve care and outcomes for older adults. It is now accessible at both acute care and ambulatory care practices at Hackensack Meridian Health locations across New Jersey.

“Due to the complex nature of older patients and their higher risk of negative health outcomes, older adults need care that addresses the unique physiology and comorbidities associated with aging. But not all providers are geriatrics-trained, and they often have to simultaneously manage the care of multiple patients of different ages,” said Manisha Parulekar, MD, AGSF, FACP, Division Chief of Geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Our summary report assists our providers in following the Age-Friendly Health System 4M care framework which includes a focus on medications, mentation, mobility and what matters to that patient, so we can deliver consistent, high-quality care for older adults network wide.”

A delirium predictive index that uses data to assess each patient’s individual delirium risk will be added in early 2026. The team also plans to add a fall risk index to the summary in the near future.

“Through this expansion, our acute care and ambulatory care practices now have the opportunity to learn from each other and develop best practices that continue to raise the bar for geriatric care across New Jersey,” said Dr. Parulekar.

Learn more about innovative geriatric care at Hackensack University Medical Center.