AdventHealth Palm Coast earns new recognition for age-friendly care

AdventHealth Palm Coast has earned new national recognition for its care of older adults. Just six months after earning its initial Level 1 designation, the hospital has advanced to a Level 2 Age-Friendly Health System, a distinction granted by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

The initiative, supported by the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association, encourages hospitals to deliver care that meets the unique needs of older adults.

Level 2 status means AdventHealth Palm Coast has engrained age-friendly practices into everyday care. That includes things like checking for memory and mood changes, helping people stay mobile during their stay, and understanding what matters most to each person.

“This isn’t a checklist. It’s part of our culture,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO, AdventHealth Palm Coast and the Flagler/St. Johns market. “In Flagler County, where adults 65 and older are the fastest-growing age group, the impact of this kind of care can be monumental. We know hospitalizations can be overwhelming — especially for older adults managing multiple health conditions or living alone.”

The hospital’s emergency department was previously recognized with a national geriatric accreditation, making it better equipped to serve older patients during medical emergencies. With this new designation, the same attention and training is being applied across the entire hospital.

“We’ve all had a loved one in the hospital. This is about treating people the way we’d want our own loved ones to be treated,” Bales-Chubb said. “Every decision, every detail, is shaped around helping our patients feel safe, seen, and supported.”