An innovative, GIS-based approach in engaging age-friendly pharmacists to support U.S. nursing homes.

PURPOSE: As the United States (U.S.) population continues to age, innovative approaches are needed to address gaps in age-friendly care. This paper highlights the utility and application of geographic information systems (GIS) to expand age-friendly care within nursing homes (NHs).

OBJECTIVE

To create a geographic visualization to aid pharmacists, referred to as regional champions, in their efforts to identify and enhance adoption and implementation of age-friendly NH care.

METHODS

This study uses a cross-sectional, descriptive, geospatial approach using ArcGIS Online Creator 11.3 joining datasets of CMS-certified and IHI recognized NHs in March 2025.

RESULTS

A total of approximately 790 NHs with Age-Friendly recognition were identified. Among 14,800 NHs in the U.S., roughly 14,670 number have not achieved Age-Friendly recognition and were identified as targets for intervention by regional champions. On average, 1850 NHs were identified for each regional champion as potential targets. Regional champions engaged 67 NHs through August 31st, 2025.

CONCLUSION

The geographic visualization highlights significant regions in the U.S. where CMS-certified NHs have not yet achieved Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) recognition. This serves as a practical opportunity for strategic mobilization of regional champions to identify, plan, and track efforts aimed at supporting NHs' adoption and implementation of age-friendly care.