Did you know that 34 to 50 percent of people over 70 have a tendency to get the side effects of confusion and physical decline when hospitalized for even a very short time? Many of us have grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and neighbors who may well be hospitalized and need mental and physical stimulation.
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at Maine Medical Center has a very active corps of volunteers. They visit with patients, keep them oriented, exercise and walk with them, provide some stimulation through therapeutic activities, and make sure glasses and hearing devices are at hand.
Volunteers also offer relaxation techniques, massage, and evening tea to help patients get settled in for the night without having to use medications for sleep or pain. Volunteers take the time to sit and actively listen to each patient’s concerns, questions, and stories. The work that volunteers do is vital to the treatment of these patients. These simple activities have been shown in studies to prevent confusion and decline in function.
One of the most rewarding surprises for our volunteers has been the “life story” gifts our elderly patients have shared with them. It is quite possible your making a real difference in their lives will make a real difference in your life.
The HELP program needs volunteers seven days a week in shifts of three hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Extensive classroom and shadowing training is offered in addition to MMC’s standard volunteer training.
A commitment of six months is ideal. However, thinking creatively in today’s busy life, the HELP team would welcome groups of people “time-sharing” a shift. This would mean that the team would train two to four individuals from a church, service club, or group to do the volunteer interventions with patients. Then between those individuals, there is always someone to cover the shift.
The next HELP training takes place this fall. Please contact the Hospital Elder Life Program Office now at 871-6353 or e-mail mmcelp@mmc.org for more information or to be placed on the training list.
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