Whether it’s reading the newspaper together, engaging in conversation, providing company during a meal or taking walks, volunteers can help:
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is seeking volunteers to support its newly launched Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP).
HELP is a patient care program that provides extra attention and care to older adults admitted to the hospital. The program provides volunteers with a hands-on experience that involves direct patient contact. The goals of the program are:
- To maintain physical and cognitive functioning throughout hospitalization
- To prevent delirium during hospitalization
- To maximize independence at discharge
Volunteers are trained to assist in interventions such as:
• Patient orientation
• Therapeutic activities
• Early mobilization
• Relaxation exercises
• Feeding assistance and fluid repletion
• Sleep enhancement
Source: Volunteer To Sit With Elderly Patients At New Brunswick Hospital