Owensboro Health Hosts Successful Partners in Aging Event

Held at the Pleasant Valley Medical Building, the free event provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with health and wellness experts, gain valuable resources and learn how to thrive at any age. 

Dr. Andrew Collins, a geriatrician at Owensboro Health, played a key role in the event. He delivered expert lectures on optimal health for older adults and participated in a Q&A session with fellow experts. Reflecting on the event's success, Dr. Collins expressed his enthusiasm for its positive impact on the community. 

“This event was designed to bring together older adults and their caregivers, helping them connect with resources they might not be aware of,” Dr. Collins said. “We’re pleased with the turnout and excited to continue building on this with future events.” 

Connecting the Community to Vital Resources 

The exhibit hall, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featured approximately 25 informational tables staffed by experts in health and wellness, social services and long-term care. More than 100 attendees learned more about the resources available to them through Owensboro Health and other community partners, through free health screenings to consultations with geriatric care professionals. 

"Many caregivers don’t know what resources are available to them, and they often feel overwhelmed when trying to care for a loved one," Dr. Collins explained. "This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect them with the right support, so they can take better care of their loved ones—and themselves." 

In addition to expert advice, attendees enjoyed a range of activities, including a complimentary lunch provided by the Owensboro Health Foundation, free screenings and educational lectures. The event was designed to be both informative and accessible, ensuring that individuals could drop in at any time during the day to learn more about aging well. 

The 4Ms Framework: Simplifying Geriatric Care 

At the heart of the event was a focus on the 4Ms of Geriatric Care, a framework that is becoming central to Owensboro Health’s approach to caring for older adults. Dr. Collins shared his insights during his presentations, explaining how the 4Ms—What Matters, Medication, Mobility and Mentation—are critical to individualized care for aging patients. 

“The 4Ms framework helps us simplify and focus on what matters most to each patient,” said Dr. Collins. “Every older adult has unique goals, and it’s our job to ensure that their care plan reflects those priorities—whether it’s improving mobility, managing medications or preserving mental health. This patient-centered approach is key to maintaining optimal health as we age.” 

By prioritizing what matters to patients, Owensboro Health aims to ensure that every older adult receives care that is tailored to their specific needs, fostering both independence and well-being.

A Personal Commitment to Geriatric Care 

For Dr. Collins, the passion for geriatric care is deeply personal. He grew up helping care for his grandfather, who developed dementia when Dr. Collins was a teenager. This experience shaped his career path and fuels his dedication to helping older adults today. 

“I know firsthand the challenges families face when caring for an aging loved one,” said Dr. Collins. “Being a caregiver is difficult, both emotionally and physically, and I’ve been there. That’s why I’m so committed to improving geriatric care and ensuring that families have the resources and support they need.” 

Looking to the Future 

The success of the first Partners in Aging event has set the stage for future initiatives at Owensboro Health. Dr. Collins and his colleagues hope to make this event an annual tradition, continuing to strengthen their partnership with the older adult community and caregivers in the region. 

“We want to be a trusted partner in the aging process,” Dr. Collins emphasized. “Whether patients come to us for medical care or seek out our community resources, we want them to feel respected and understood. Aging is a journey, and we’re here to support our patients and their families every step of the way.” 

As Owensboro Health looks to the future, events like Partners in Aging will continue to be essential to its mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for older adults. By fostering education, support and connection, Owensboro Health is helping to ensure that every individual can age with dignity, health and a sense of purpose. 

Continuing the Conversation 

The event also highlighted the importance of ongoing conversations about aging and care planning. Dr. Collins encouraged families to talk openly about advanced care planning, emphasizing that these discussions can prevent confusion and family strife later on. 

“Advanced care planning is crucial,” Dr. Collins said. “It allows older adults to express their wishes clearly and helps prevent family disagreements down the road. When families plan ahead, it ensures that their loved ones receive the care they want, and it helps everyone feel more secure in the decisions that are made.” 

A Commitment Beyond Healthcare 

As Owensboro Health continues to innovate and expand its services, events like Partners in Aging demonstrate that their commitment goes beyond traditional healthcare. From physical wellness to mental health and community connection, Owensboro Health is dedicated to serving every aspect of its patients' lives. 

“At Owensboro Health, we believe that healthcare is about more than just medicine,” said Dr. Collins. “It’s about caring for the whole person—physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s what we aim to do for our older adults and their families every day.”