Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at U-M Health aims to assist elderly patients in remaining as independent as possible during their hospital stay. HELP volunteers work with patients to promote and monitor patient orientation, cognitive stimulation, relaxation/sleep, mobility, feeding/eating, and hearing or vision needs where functional deficits require assistance.
Program Overview
Through HELP, the hospital becomes a place where older patients can feel as secure as possible as they participate in treatment and maintain control over their own recuperation.
The program goals are:
- To keep patients fully oriented throughout hospital stay
- To prevent confusion and delirium as possible
- To address patients’ needs or concerns
- To improve communication and patient satisfaction
Services
To meet program goals, we provide the following services:
- Daily Visitor Program – Daily visits designed to maintain alertness and orientation through socialization and companionship
- Therapeutic Activities Program – Provides stimulating and enjoyable activities and materials
- Early Mobilization Program – Provides daily assistance with walking and exercise
- Feeding & Meal Assistance Program – Companionship and assistance at meal time if necessary
- Relaxation Program – Designed to assist our patients with relaxation and sleep without the use of medication (including massage, relaxation tapes, bedside musician, or other relaxation resources)
A Free Program Focused on Protecting Independence
Volunteer in the Program
The HELP program provides opportunity to gain experiences with older adults. This includes direct contact with patients, family members, other volunteers, social work, and hospital staff on nursing units. Students or community adults gain experience assessing a patient’s medical condition, cognitive status and physical functioning.
