Roughly 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 today, and about 10,000 more will cross that threshold every day for the next 15 years, when the last Boomer is due to reach retirement age. In the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton region, there are twice as many people over age 65 as the national average, which is why becoming a NICHE hospital is so important, said Sarasota Memorial’s Advanced Practice Geriatric Nurse Karen Reynolds, DNP. NICHE, which stands for Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders, is a special designation awarded to hospitals implementing system-wide interventions and initiatives that promote excellent outcomes in patients 65 and older. Sarasota Memorial is one of 766 hospitals internationally that has earned the designation. Participation in the prestigious NICHE program confirms Sarasota Memorial’s commitment to achieve the best possible outcomes for older patients through evidence-based, age-sensitive nursing care and comprehensive support for families and caregivers. Approximately 63 percent of SMH’s inpatient admissions are 65 years and older.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare