HELP is designed to prevent delirium by keeping hospitalized seniors oriented to their surroundings, meeting their needs for nutrition, fluids, and sleep, and keeping them mobile within the limitations of their physical condition * hospitalized older patients may experience a decline in their physical and mental abilities, which makes it difficult for them to fully recover from their illness and return to their previous ability to function * currently available on all acute care medical and surgical units

Elder Life Specialists design a patient-specific program that is carried out up to 3 times  day by trained volunteers * elements of the program may include: 

• daily visits to promote orientation and socialization
• therapeutic activities to keep patients mentally stimulated during their hospital stay
• early mobilization to provide daily walking assistance and exercises
• companionship and help with mealtime set up as needed
• the use of a natural approach to sleep enhancement
• reminder to use hearing and vision aids if necessary

Services provided are to:

• maintain the cognitive and physical functioning of patients throughout hospitalization
• allow patients to be discharged from the hospital as independently as possible
• assist with transition from the hospital to community
• prevent unplanned re-admissions

Older adults admitted to medical and surgical units at MDH

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