Center for Elders’ Independence Achieves Highest Level Age-Friendly Health System Designation

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) is proud to announce its designation as an Age-Friendly Health System, Level 2 – Committed to Care Excellence, awarded by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the John A. Hartford Foundation. This recognition underscores CEI’s dedication to providing high-quality, person-centered care that meets the unique needs of older adults.

CEI’s designation as an Age-Friendly Health System, awarded in November 2024, aligns perfectly with its best practices, centered around the 4Ms framework. These essential components prioritize the health and well-being of older adults enrolled in CEI programs throughout the San Francisco East Bay Area.

The 4Ms framework focuses on:

• What Matters Most: Aligning care with each older adult’s specific health goals and preferences, including considerations for end-of-life care across all settings.
• Medication: Ensuring that medications do not interfere with What Matters Most, Mobility or Mentation.
• Mentation: Preventing, identifying, and managing dementia, depression, and delirium across all care settings.
• Mobility: Promoting safe movement every day to maintain function and independence.

“Achieving the highest Level 2 Committed to Care Excellence designation validates our commitment to providing high-quality, person-centered healthcare for seniors,” said Maria Zamora, President and CEO of CEI. “Our team is dedicated to integrating the 4Ms into every aspect of our care delivery, ensuring that every interaction supports our participants' health and dignity.”

CEI joins over 4,300 health systems nationwide that have earned Age-Friendly Health System recognition, reinforcing its position as a leader in senior healthcare in the San Francisco East Bay Area.

Dr. James Mittelberger, Chief Medical Officer of CEI, emphasized the importance of the 4Ms framework, noting, “Medical care for seniors is distinct from that of younger adults. Our commitment to What Matters Most forms the foundation of our care plans, empowering our participants to make informed choices and achieve their healthcare goals.”

The Age-Friendly Health Systems movement aims to enhance healthcare for older adults through evidence-based practices. As of August 2023, more than 1,900 healthcare organizations have received the Committed to Care Excellence designation, impacting over 2.48 million older adults globally.

To learn more about the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, visit www.ihi.org/AgeFriendly.

About Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI)

Now in its 43rd year in the East Bay, CEI is a comprehensive healthcare model for vulnerable older adults. CEI serves more than 1200 senior participants using PACE (the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), which provides medical care and integrated support services, enabling older adults with multiple health challenges to live safely in a home and their community setting for as long as possible. CEI provides PACE services at five PACE Centers in San Leandro, East Oakland, Downtown Oakland, Berkeley and Concord.

CEI also provides care coordination for more than 695 residents of all ages in Alameda and Contra Costa counties through the Home and Community Based Alternatives (HCBA) waiver program. The program helps disabled persons aged 18 and over to stay living independently in their communities. For more information about Center for Elders’ Independence, visit www.elders.org or call (844) 319-1150.