Springfield is now the first city in the United States to be recognized for its commitment to improve the quality of life for seniors, including those with dementia, as an Age and Dementia Friendly City with an Age-Friendly Health System.
Today at the Age-Friendly Summit held at the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center, Mayor Sarno, Commissioner of Health & Human Services Helen Caulton-Harris and Deirector of Elder Affairs Sandy Federico accepted these designations.
- Age-Friendly City Designation was presented to the City of Springfield by Mike Festa, State Director, AARP
With the Age Friendly City designation, Springfield commits to implementing policies, services and structures to support and enable older people to “age actively” – that is, to live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in society. Age-friendly or livable communities actively work towards making their city a great place for people of all ages. This includes walkable streets, housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities.
- Dementia Friendly City Designation was presented to the City of Springfield by Patricia Sullivan, Project Manager of the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative, Massachusetts Council on Aging
With the Dementia Friendly City designation, Springfield commits to creating environments that are supportive, inclusive, and welcoming of individuals living with dementia and their families and care partners.
- Age-Friendly Health System Designation waspresented to Baystate Medical Center and the High Street, Brightwood and Mason Square Health Centers. by KellyAnne Johnson, Senior Project Manager, Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Baystate Medical Center and its Brightwood, High Street and Mason Square Health Centers will be the first health care institutions in the country recognized as “age-friendly.” They are committed to providing safe, high-quality health care to achieve the goals which matter most to older adults. An Age-Friendly Health System is one in which every older adult gets the best care possible, experiences no health care-related harms, and is satisfied with the health care they receive.
About Live Well Springfield
Live Well Springfield Coalition brings together over 30 organizations working together to build and sustain a culture of health in Springfield that includes the broadest definition of health, including healthy eating, active living, the built environment, economic opportunity, housing, and education. LWS is convened by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. The Age Friendly Initiatives includes two Senior Resident Facilitators, Baystate Health Geriatrics, Palliative Care and Post-Acute Medicine, Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc., Mass Senior Action, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, Revitalize CDC, Springfield Department of Elder Affairs, Springfield Department of Health and Human Services- Mass in Motion, Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development, Springfield Housing Authority, Springfield Partners for Community Action, Stavros, University of Massachusetts Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, and Way Finders.
About the Springfield Dementia Friendly Coalition
The Springfield Dementia Friendly Coalition was convened in March 2018 by Springfield Partners for Community Action with the vision to make Springfield a Dementia Friendly City. The coalition includes a diverse group of residents, care partners and service providers including Department of Elder Affairs, Greater Springfield Senior Services, Alzheimer’s Association, Chapin Center, Loomis Communities, Caregiver Homes and A Better Life Homecare.
About Baystate Health
Baystate Geriatrics has three teams participating in the age friendly movement. The ACE (Acute Care for Elders) team cares for older patients admitted to a designated unit at Baystate Medical Center. The Geri-Pal interprofessional team provides care for frail, mostly homebound patients from the Brightwood, High Street and Mason Square Health Centers. A new Geri-Ortho Co-care team is working to improve outcomes and coordinate care for older patients with hip fractures. These Baystate teams focus on improving care and outcomes for the “4Ms.” (what matters most, medications, mentation, and mobility) which are the cornerstones of an age-friendly health system.