The Facts
•
•
Between 30-50 per cent of all
seniors experience a decline
in their physical and mental
function during a hospital
stay
For further information about
HELP
Elderly patients can lose their
bearings and become
confused and disoriented
while hospitalized
Elder Life Specialist
•
Research has shown that
these declines are often
preventable
•
The decline in function can
be reduced by offering
opportunities to patients
using healthcare
professionals and specially
trained volunteers
•
Contact Information
Research has demonstrated
that older patients find
particular comfort in the
assistance of well-trained,
calm, patient, caring lay
people (Inouye 2006 HELP Web site)
Please contact
Jan Bell
705-728-9090
Ext. 47233
[email protected]
How Patients and
their Families Can
Benefit from HELP
Royal Victoria Regional Health
Centre
201Georgian Dr.
Barrie ON L4M 6M2
www.rvh.on.ca
NEW RVH-3375
Who is the HELP team?
•
Trained RVH volunteers
•
Elder Life Specialist
•
Nurse Clinician
Trained HELP Volunteers
•
HELP Volunteers visit with
patients 1-3 times per day and
provide the following supports
Daily Visitor Program
•
Volunteers offer 1:1 daily
visits to provide:
•
Orientation
•
Stimulation
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Communication
•
Social support
•
Volunteers assure that
important items are within
reach (i.e. hearing aids,
glasses, dentures, nurse call
button)
Elder Life Specialist
•
Patient assessment &
enrollment
•
Coordination of volunteers
•
Planning and monitoring of
HELP programs
Nurse Clinician
•
Supports the Elder Life
Specialist
Early Mobilization
•
Volunteers encourage
patients to remain active
physically within the
limitations of their physical
condition
•
Volunteers walk with patients
when it is supported by the
patient’s inter-professional
team
Therapeutic Activities
•
Volunteers provide interesting
activities that keep patients
mentally stimulated
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Music
•
Reading
•
Games
•
Puzzles
•
Relaxation Activities
Meal Assistance
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Volunteers assist patients
during the lunch and supper
mealtime by:
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Cutting food, opening cartons
•
Providing companionship
•
Encouraging fluid and food
intake
Based on “The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)1999
Sharon Inouye MD, MPH