NYC Gazette

Maimonides Health has received a $250,000 grant to support its Advanced Illness Management (AIM) and Age-Friendly care programs. This funding, to be distributed over two years, increases the total grants received by Maimonides for these initiatives since 2022 to over $1 million. The new grant aims to upgrade existing programs for emergency and admitted patients, help skilled nursing facilities become age-friendly, and establish a new program to support caregivers of older adult patients.

Established in 2021, Maimonides' AIM and Age-Friendly Programs have enhanced the hospital's ability to address the unique healthcare needs of older patients and those with advanced-stage illnesses. The programs were first funded by The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation in January 2022. Maimonides was recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in June 2023 due to continuous implementation of evidence-based interventions for older adults.

Dr. John Marshall, Chief Medical Officer at Maimonides Health, highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing older adult population in New York City and noted Maimonides' role in the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement. "We are proud to be part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement and to have made significant strides in strengthening our commitment to enhancing patient experiences, improving outcomes, and supporting healthy aging for our community’s older adults," he said.

Khadeja Kausar, Principal Investigator for the AIM and Age-Friendly projects at Maimonides Health, expressed gratitude for the Samuels Foundation's support and mentioned the contribution of other grant funders in advancing their mission to enhance care for older adults. “The Health Association of New York’s stipend support from 2022 to 2024 was integral in educating our providers on the ‘What Matters’ conversation. Last year, support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation enabled us to integrate the Advanced Illness Management Program into our Emergency Department," she stated.

Julio A. Urbina, Vice President and Director of the Health Aging Program at the Samuels Foundation, commended Maimonides for its commitment to age-friendly care. “The Samuels Foundation is proud to support Maimonides Medical Center in its commitment to Age-Friendly Health Systems,” he said. “By embracing this essential approach, Maimonides is ensuring that older adults receive the highest quality, person-centered care that respects their needs, values, and independence.”

The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation is focused on elevating the quality of life for New Yorkers by supporting the Performing Arts and Healthy Aging. The foundation engages in grant-making activities to strengthen communities and improve lives across New York City.