Program Information

	What is HELP? The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is a unique volunteer program that was developed at Yale by a physician, Dr Sharon Inouye. The goal is to maintain physical and cognitive function in our elderly hospitalized patients by providing specific interventions that target various risk areas. Simple things like conversation, life review, comfort, spiritual readings, humor, range of motion exercises, recreation such as crosswords, word searches, hand massage, nail polishing and assistance or companionship at meals go along way in today’s busy healthcare environment. We have measurable outcomes that show the program has a tremendous impact on and benefit for patients 70 and older. There are 59 sites in the U. S., 3 in Canada and one in Australia. We are very proud of our program. Please feel free to call us directly at 340-2161 with any specific questions. Comments from previous HELP patients and families “Love the HELP program. The hearing aids are wonderful. My daughter is going to get one.” “Loved the prayer booklet.” “This is the best program. Last time a volunteer spent two hours with me.” “Your volunteers are like angels. When they massaged the lotion into my hands, I felt so good.” Families out of town appreciate volunteer visits. “In this day and age with hospitals changing, volunteers in this program are needed”. “You girls made me so happy. You are angels of mercy.” “I could tell my son I don’t need him. I have the HELP program.” “I enjoyed the visits of volunteers. We could talk to you without you taking off right away. You do not get enough credit.” “I’m a tough cookie and volunteers are giving me strength.”







HELP Administative Office 700 Quincy Avenue Scranton PA 18510-1798 (570) 340-2161

Edward Dzielak, DO - Geriatritian . Soni Sandhaus, Nurse Practitioner . Donna Valenti, RN - Elder Life Nurse Specialist . Faith Harrell - Elder Life Specialist

What is HELP?