Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
As we welcome September, a month dedicated to celebrating Healthy Aging, it is my pleasure to highlight Sonoma Valley Hospital’s commitment to supporting our older adults in living vibrant and fulfilling lives. Embracing aging with a positive mindset and focusing on maintaining health and well-being is crucial. At our hospital, we are proud to be at the forefront of this effort.
Last year, we joined the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, a national movement focused on enhancing care for older adults through evidence-based practices. Since then, we’ve seen significant progress, including reduced readmissions and more patients being discharged home to continue their recovery in a familiar environment. While our focus is on older adults, the principles of the Age-Friendly Health System—what matters, medications, mentation, and mobility—benefit everyone. It’s never too early to start conversations about your health with loved ones.
Thank you for being a part of our mission to transform Sonoma Valley Hospital through initiatives like the Age-Friendly Health System. Together, we can make Sonoma Valley a place where everyone, regardless of age, can thrive.
Warm regards,
John Hennelly
CEO, Sonoma Valley Hospital
What is Healthy Aging Month?
Understanding the Importance of Healthy Aging
Healthy Aging Month, established over 30 years ago by Educational Television Network, Inc., aims to shift the conversation towards the positive aspects of growing older. This month-long observance encourages everyone to take personal responsibility for their health across all aspects of life—physical, social, mental, and financial.
A Focus on Healthy Aging with our Age-Friendly Health System at Sonoma Valley Hospital
In 2023, Sonoma Valley Hospital began participating in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, aligning with a national movement aimed at improving health care for older adults. This initiative focuses on implementing evidence-based interventions specifically designed to enhance care for older adults, with the goal of ensuring that all health care involving older adults is age-friendly.
“This initiative is crucial for Sonoma Valley Hospital as it prioritizes optimizing care for older adults, aligning with the community’s aging demographic,” said Dr. Becky Spear, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at Sonoma Valley Hospital. “The goal has always been to include improving patient outcomes, enhancing communication, ensuring coordinated and person-centered care, and ultimately fostering a health care environment that meets the unique needs of older adults in Sonoma Valley.”
Since starting the initiative, we have made great strides. Our readmission rates have declined, and we have seen more patients being discharged home. Although we are currently tracking data for those 65 years and older, the principles of this program are beneficial for all age groups.
“Even though the initiative primarily focuses on older adults, the underlying principles of the Age-Friendly Health System can benefit everyone, regardless of age. It’s important to have these conversations with loved ones early, rather than waiting until you turn 65,” Spear added.
“I am thrilled with how quickly our Sonoma Valley Hospital nursing teams have embraced this initiative. They have been diligent in performing assessments, changing their conversations with patients, and demonstrating their gratitude for the opportunity to provide this enhanced level of care,” Spear noted.
The foundational principles of the Age-Friendly Health System include what matters, medications, mentation, and mobility (called the 4Ms; see sidebar).Our interventions include discussions about what is most important to patients, reviewing patients’ medications with a geriatric lens, screening for delirium, and a focus on regularly mobilizing patients.
Expert Insight: Staying Healthy with Becky Spear
Practical Tips for Healthy Aging
This month, we turn to Becky Spear, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at Sonoma Valley Hospital, for expert advice on how older adults can incorporate healthy aging practices into their lives. Becky addresses common questions and misconceptions about aging, providing valuable insights:
Q: How can individuals incorporate the 4 M’s into their lives?
A: It’s about empowering people to understand their healthcare and be active participants. The shift we’re seeing with the baby boomer generation is that they are more knowledgeable and engaged. We need to respect that and engage them in conversations about their health. Knowing what questions to ask and being part of the conversation is key.
Q: How can patients bring up the 4 M’s with their healthcare providers?
A: Patients should feel empowered to discuss what matters most to them, including their medication needs, mental health, and mobility. It’s important for patients to initiate these conversations and for providers to listen and respond accordingly.
Q: Why should people attend the upcoming Golden Harvest Senior Resource Faire?
A: The Golden Harvest Senior Resource Fair is an invaluable opportunity to connect with 27 participating organizations that provide essential services and resources for older adults. Whether it’s finding affordable care, understanding medication management, or learning about social engagement opportunities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the support available in our community.
Q: What have we seen in terms of successes in creating an Age-Friendly Health System?
A: We’ve seen excellent outcomes, including reduced readmissions and more patients being discharged home. By focusing on what matters most to patients, mobilizing them during recovery, and paying closer attention to their overall well-being, we’re making a significant impact. These practices can benefit people of all ages, not just those over 65.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about aging that you encounter, and how do you address them with your patients?
A: A common misconception is that memory loss is a normal part of aging—it’s not. Talk to your primary care provider if you have concerns about your memory. Additionally, many believe that everything slows down with age, but this is changing with more active and engaged older adults. We encourage our patients to stay active and challenge the stereotypes of aging.
Q: Fall prevention is critical for older adults. What strategies do you recommend?
A: Staying physically active is the most important strategy. Whether it’s walking, balance exercises, or participating in physical therapy, maintaining mobility is key to preventing falls. It’s better to use a cane or walker than risk a serious injury like a hip fracture.
Q: What role does social engagement play in the health and well-being of older adults?
A: Social engagement is crucial in preventing isolation, which can lead to both mental and physical health issues. Sonoma Valley offers numerous resources, like Vintage House, the Village of Sonoma Valley and the Sonoma Community Center programs, to help older adults stay connected. Even simple interactions, like those from meal delivery volunteers, can make a significant difference in someone’s day.
Community Events: Active Aging at Vintage House
Engage with Your Community this September
Join us in celebrating Healthy Aging Month with a series of community events at Vintage House. These activities are designed to foster physical activity, social connections, and overall well-being.
- Sept 6: Isolation in Older Adults
Hosted by The Community Mental Health Hub at Hanna - Sept 13: Men’s Health
Led by UCSF Dr. Peter Carroll - Sept 20: Balance-Focused Gentle Movements
With Marek Grzybowski, Sonoma Valley Hospital - Sept 27: ED Stroke Readiness/ UCSF Neurology
Presented by Dr. Seric Cusick, Sonoma Valley Hospital
Location: Stone Hall at Vintage House, 264 1st Street East, Sonoma.
Time: Fridays in September, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Registration: activeagingwellness.brownpapertickets.com
Contact: For more information, email community@sonomavalleyhospital.org or call 707.931.9206.
The 4 M’s of Age-Friendly Health Systems
Sonoma Valley Hospital is dedicated to implementing geriatric best practices through the 4 M’s framework:
Mobility: Encouraging safe movement to maintain function and independence.
What Matters: Understanding each patient’s personal goals and values.
Medications: Optimizing medication use to avoid unnecessary or harmful drugs.
Mentation: Addressing cognitive health, including dementia and depression.
Spotlight on the Golden Harvest Senior Wellness and Resource Faire
September 28, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sonoma Community Center
Registration: goldenharvest.brownpapertickets.com
Contact: For more information, email community@sonomavalleyhospital.org or call 707.931.9206.
Join us for the 1st Annual Golden Harvest Senior Wellness and Resource Faire, featuring 27 local organizations that offer valuable resources for older adults and their caregivers.. Whether you’re looking for caregiver support, housing options, or health and wellness services, this fair has something for everyone.
Participating Organizations Include:
- Adobe Drugs
- Alzheimer’s Association
- By The Bay Health
- Cogir Senior Living
- Sonoma Valley Hospital
- Village of Sonoma Valley
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