Kearney County Health Services Recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System

At Kearney County Health Services, caring for our community means caring for people at every stage of life. This means especially honoring the needs, goals and dignity of older adults. That commitment was recently recognized in a meaningful way.

We’re proud to share that Kearney County Health Services has earned special recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System: Committed to Care Excellence.

What does “Age-Friendly” mean?

Age-Friendly Health Systems focus on providing high-quality, evidence-based care to older adults by consistently addressing what’s known as the 4Ms:

• What Matters – understanding each patient’s health goals and care preferences
• Medication – ensuring medications are safe, appropriate, and effective
• Mentation – supporting mental health, including memory, mood, and thinking
• Mobility – helping patients move safely and maintain independence

Over the past several months, our teams have been actively collecting data and strengthening care practices to ensure these elements are part of every older adult’s care experience. Information was gathered when they’re seen in our clinics, hospital, emergency department or specialty services.

A commitment that reaches beyond recognition

More than 5,200 healthcare organizations nationwide have earned Age-Friendly Health System recognition, and globally, more than 5.4 million older adults have been reached through 4Ms care. We’re proud to be part of this growing movement, but more importantly, we’re proud of what it means for our patients and families right here in Kearney County.

“Our commitment to care excellence has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Kendra Brown, Chief Nursing Officer at Kearney County Health Services. “This recognition affirms the work our team does every day to ensure older adults receive thoughtful, respectful and high-quality care. Above all, our goal is to earn the trust and confidence of the patients and caregivers we serve.”

Looking ahead

Becoming an Age-Friendly Health System isn’t a finish line, it’s an ongoing journey. We remain committed to learning, improving and strengthening age-friendly best practices across all care settings. Every interaction is an opportunity to listen, to support independence, and to deliver care that truly centers on the individual.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, providers, patients, and community partners who make this work possible. Together, we’re building a healthier future at every age.