In this program, volunteers are carefully trained to provide low tech, high touch therapeutic interventions at the bedside of senior patients. Therapies include companionship, communication, relaxation, recreation, and meal assistance. Hand massages, aromatherapy, music therapy, conversation and humor relax patients whereas reminiscence, mentally and physically stimulating activities and sensory aids keep patients alert and functional. The goal of the program is to preserve function, keep patients mentally alert and avoid delirium, a potential complication of hospitalization. Patients 70 years and older are screened upon admission for signs of confusion, depression, anxiety, pain, dehydration, sleep problems and mobility problems. Volunteers are then assigned to provide therapeutic activities based on the individual needs of these patients.
"A hospital stay doesn't have to result in diminished functional status," said Edward Dzielak, D.O, geriatrician and Director of Medicine at Moses Taylor. "Because a patient's condition is naturally improved when his or her special needs are addressed, the power of HELP truly lies within our volunteers - they make the hospital a special place."
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation grant allowed the program to expand its scope of volunteer and patient interactions. Additional benefits are nursing support, community education lectures, partnering with universities as service learning and clinical rotation sites, and enhanced data analysis.
Under the guidance of Dr. Dzielak and Marilee Manganiello, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing, the HELP team is comprised of Sonia Sandhaus, Nurse Practitioner; Donna Valenti, RN, Elder Life Nurse Specialist; Faith Harrell, Elder Life Specialist; and Christine Pernot, Director of Volunteers. The team frequently partners with hospital staff including dietitians, rehabilitation therapists and hospital chaplains to provide a full range of intervention strategies.
HELP has generated positive outcomes. Data reveal increased patient, family, and volunteer satisfaction. Nursing satisfaction and retention have also increased. The volunteer support gives nurses the opportunity to utilize their nursing skills to better address the complex, acute care issues associated with this increasingly vulnerable population. Statistics also indicate maintenance of cognitive status, a decrease in patient falls, a decrease in the use of sedatives and hypnotics, and a decrease in discharge to nursing homes.