Ireland’s First Age-Friendly Nursing Homes

Ireland's First

Our residential care facilities are formally recognised by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as participants in becoming an Age Friendly Health System (AFHS). The participant status is a formal recognition that Mowlam has adopted the IHI 4Ms Framework. This framework is an evidence-based approach to care delivery founded on ‘What Matters’ to the resident, as a fundamental cornerstone of high-quality care.

Healthy Ageing

Mowlam Nursing Homes have joined an elite group of residential care centres worldwide to adopt this innovative approach and the only private provider in Ireland, UK/EU. Mowlam are also part of EU Expert Group on developing and promoting AFHS standards. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents by implementing care practices that prioritise their health, well-being, dignity and ‘what matters to them’.

Care Innovators

A health system is ‘age friendly’ when it improves care for everyone – residents and the professionals who make that care possible. At Mowlam Healthcare, our programme delivers better outcomes and quality of life for residents, while bringing fulfillment and joy at work for our teams. We’re proud of our people whose dedication and training makes this possible.

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What Matters Most

Our Age Friendly Care Programme is founded on four evidence based person-centred care elements, known as the 4Ms.

One of the most meaningful ways to make the most of living longer is by preparing for the care decisions we may face as we age. That’s why, at Mowlam Healthcare, we place such importance on ‘What Matters To Me’ – one of the key pillars of the Age Friendly Care programme.

Benefits of Age Friendly Care

Prioritising the needs and dignity of older people

At Mowlam, care starts with a simple question – what matters to you?

Everyone is different, and our Age Friendly care is all about listening to what’s most important to each person who lives with us. It could be staying independent, continuing to bake soda bread as they’ve done all their lives, having a glass of wine with dinner, enjoying favourite family dishes, feeling the sea breeze on their face, or simply feeling heard and valued every day.

 

 

By understanding these personal wishes, our team can shape everyday care around each resident’s life, not just their needs. It’s an approach that helps people feel happier, more confident, and truly at home.

Through the Age Friendly 4Ms, we focus on what really makes a difference – delivering care that’s personal, meaningful, and full of heart.

At Mowlam, we’re proud to be leading the way in making life better for older people across Ireland.

I have a voice

“When I mentioned to one of the team that my favourite dish growing up was Coddle, I never expected what happened next. The very next day, the chef had researched the recipe, gathered the ingredients, and served it for dinner. It made me so happy – a real taste of home. Having a voice and being listened to means the world to me.”

Michael
Resident

Feeling truly cared for

“One of the things I worried about most when moving into care was not seeing my family. The team here really listened and understood that, and now they’ve set up regular, sometimes daily, video calls with my grandchildren and other family members. It means the world to me – I get to be part of their everyday lives and share in their fun. It’s made such a difference to my happiness and quality of life.”

Patsy
Resident

My mobility matters

“After my fall at home, I worried about losing my independence. But the care team made mobility a priority in my Age Friendly plan, tailoring physiotherapy to my goals. I’ve regained strength and confidence – and now I can enjoy walks and the activities I love again. It’s given me back a real sense of freedom.”

Susan
Resident

Truly rewarding

“Since introducing Age Friendly care, my work has become so much more fulfilling. Taking the time to understand each resident’s preferences and show genuine kindness has transformed the atmosphere – it feels more like family than a clinical setting. That sense of belonging brings joy to our residents and to us as carers too.”

Patricia
Healthcare Assistant

Feeling heard & understood

“When my mother first moved in, she was anxious and unsure. The care team took time to listen and create a plan that reflected what she wanted. By involving her in daily choices, they helped her feel in control again. She’s now more relaxed, confident, and truly cared for as an individual.”

Sarah
Daughter of Resident

Personalised care & evidence-based

“Mowlam Healthcare is proud to lead the way in introducing the Age Friendly Health System in Ireland – the first residential care provider here, and the first outside the US to achieve this recognition. Guided by ‘What Matters to Me’, our approach puts residents and employees at the heart of care. This evidence-based model improves quality of life and joy at work, setting a new standard for Age Friendly Healthcare in Ireland and beyond.”

PJ Harnett
Head of Integrated Care, Mowlam

Raising national standards of care for the older person

“At Mowlam Healthcare, we’re proud to set the benchmark for Age Friendly care in Ireland. We’ve shown what’s possible when a private company leads with purpose. Our focus now is to expand and strengthen the Age Friendly model, driving the future of residential care where older people live with dignity, purpose, and joy.”

Michele McCormack
CEO, Mowlam Healthcare

Being safe and cared for

“I chose to move into a Mowlam care centre because what matters most to me is knowing my family can feel at peace – knowing I’m safe, cared for, and happy. I’ve shared what’s important to me with the team here, and every day my care reflects those needs, wishes, and the things that make me feel most at home.”

Billy
Resident

Mowlam currently has 20 nursing homes and care centres with Age Friendly Health System Participant Status.

Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).

 

Mowlam Healthcare – Proudly Putting What Matters Most at the Heart of Every Day.