UCLA Health - Santa Monica Medical Center’s 26-bed geriatrics unit has achieved the next level of professional designation from a national nursing organization known as NICHE — Nursing Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders.
The designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented the NICHE Geriatric Resource Nursing model to care for older adults, developed and implemented aging-sensitivity policies and included input from patients, families and community-based partners in NICHE initiatives. “Senior-friendly status further demonstrates our commitment to improving hospital care for patients 65 and older,” explains Unit Director Valerie Yeo, RN.
The next step is “exemplar” status, which involves expanding senior-friendly practices throughout the hospital.
