Hospital Elder Life Prgram (HELP)

    When older adults become hospitalized their daily routines are affected, they are also less mobile and active than they would be outside of the hospital environment. These issues can cause increased loss of strength, confusion and disorientation. This confusion and disorientation is medically termed delirium.

    HELP is available 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm.

    What is HELP?

    HELP is a quality enhancement program designed to prevent older patients ages 65 and over from a decline in both their physical and mental/cognitive abilities during their hospital stay.

    At Health Sciences North the HELP program is presently implemented on three medical units.

    How HELP Works

    Through a screening process and interview with the patient, the Elder Life Specialist will implement a  "care plan" listing specific interventions for HELP volunteers to carry-out during their volunteer shifts.

    Interventions include:

    • Cognitive stimulation -- orientation of date/time/place
    • Therapeutic activities -- friendly visiting
    • Mobilization – supervised ROM, walking
    • Prevention of dehydration and malnutrition
    • Promote sleep hygiene.

    Referral Process

    If you have a family member at HSN that is on one of the floors that offers the HELP program (5 South, 6 South and 4 North) please feel free to ask your nurse or health care provider to send us a request to initiate HELP interventions with your loved one.

    Resources

    For more resources visit the Hospital Elder Life Program website

    Watch our YouTube video.

    Contact Us

    Elder Life Specialists

    705-523-7100 ext. 1735 or 1249

    Goals of HELP

    • To maintain physical and cognitive functioning throughout hospitalization
    • To maximize independence at discharge
    • To prevent delirium
    • To prevent unplanned readmissions.

     

                Patient Eligibility

                The HELP program is designed for a specific demographic of patients. Our services are deigned to address the frail and elderly.

                Eligibility:

                • Patient within this program are 65 and older
                • Patients with a risk of cognitive impairment 
                • Patients that are returning to home upon discharge
                • Patient who are physically stable enough to participate 

                Ineligibility: 

                • Patients under the age of 65
                • Under specific isolation precautions within the hospital 
                • Transitioning to a long term care setting 
                • Medically unstable 

                Become a Volunteer

                If you are interested in becoming a HELP volunteer please contact the Elder Life Specialists at 705-523-7100 ext. 1735 or 1249.  You may also connect through HSN’s Volunteer Services.