FAIR Health Launches New Initiative to Empower Older Adults with Shared Decision-Making Tools
Empowering Older Adults: The Launch of FH SHARE NYC
On March 19, 2025, the independent nonprofit organization FAIR Health announced the inception of FH SHARE (Sharing Healthy Aging Resources and Education) NYC. This initiative is made possible by a generous grant from The New York Community Trust, aimed at enhancing healthcare decision-making among older adults and their caregivers in New York City. With a focus on shared decision-making, the program seeks to create resources that encourage involvement from patients and their families in healthcare discussions.
Understanding Shared Decision-Making
Shared decision-making is a patient-centered approach that incorporates individual values and preferences into the clinical decision-making process. It ensures that patients are not passive recipients of care but active participants who understand their treatment options. With the rise of personalized medicine, this approach has become increasingly vital, particularly for older adults who navigate complex health conditions.
The Goals of FH SHARE NYC
The FH SHARE NYC initiative is designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between healthcare providers and patients, particularly in two clinical institutions in New York City. These targeted collaborations aim to directly engage older patients and their family caregivers at the point of care. The program will not only implement various shared decision-making tools but will also evaluate their effectiveness.
FAIR Health plans to provide stipends to partner clinical institutions to help offset any administrative costs related to their participation in the program. Moreover, clinicians at these sites will work closely with FAIR Health's Clinical Liaison to receive support, guidance, and feedback on the deployment of the shared decision-making tools.
Comprehensive Resources
Among the resources that will be disseminated through this initiative are the new Alzheimer's disease shared decision-making tools, recently developed under a grant from The John A. Hartford Foundation. These resources will be made available through the FAIR Health for Older Adults website, which also offers educational materials and decision aids for various health conditions commonly faced by older adults, including hip osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes.
The tools include clinical and cost information, empowering users to comprehend the financial implications of their healthcare choices. Key features include FH® Total Treatment Cost tools, that provide insight into the yearly costs associated with chronic conditions like heart failure and Alzheimer's disease. The feedback from patients, caregivers, and clinicians has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating the tools' value in making informed decisions.
A Two-Year Commitment
The FH SHARE NYC initiative will span two years, culminating in a comprehensive report detailing the findings and insights gained throughout the program. This report will be disseminated to key stakeholders to inform best practices and promote the integration of shared decision-making processes across the healthcare landscape.
Irfan Hasan, Vice President of Programs and Grants at The New York Community Trust, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives, stating, "Older New Yorkers need the tools and resources to make informed health care decisions that align with their own values and preferences." The Trust is committed to ensuring older adults receive the support necessary to navigate their healthcare choices effectively.
Conclusion
FAIR Health's commitment to transparency in healthcare, combined with the resources available through FH SHARE NYC, represents a significant step towards empowering older adults in making informed decisions about their health. By addressing the particular needs of this demographic, FAIR Health is fostering an environment where shared decision-making thrives, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.
To learn more about the free tools and educational resources for older adults, or to access the program's offerings in Spanish, visit FAIR Health for Older Adults.
Follow FAIR Health on X @FAIRHealth for the latest updates regarding the program and its impact on older adults across New York City.
Topics Health）
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