Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at Community Health Network

HELP stands for Hospital Elder Life Program. We offer undergraduate students direct patient facing experience in a hospital setting. Community Health Network is a Recognized Site for HELP through the American Geriatric Society (AGS).

What is the program? The Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) team needs volunteers for the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). HELP is a preventative approach used to decrease delirium in hospitalized older adults. Delirium is a temporary state of confusion resulting in poor health outcomes when it is not recognized and treated. Through participation in daily activities provided by HELP volunteers, patients will maintain or maximize their physical and cognitive functions while admitted. Why is this a great opportunity for students? HELP volunteers have the unique experience of assisting with patients, mobilizing patients, and providing therapeutic activities. Therapeutic activities may target leisure, reminiscence, relaxation, sleep hygiene, and cognition, to name a few. HELP volunteers will be exposed to a variety of conditions and observe the intricacies of acute care practice. As a volunteer, you will also interact closely with an interdisciplinary team of health professionals. • Questions? Contact: HELP@ecommunity.com • Ready to apply? Click the recommended link to fill out an application or visit https://volunteer.ecommunity.com/ , click “Sign Up” button on the upper-left hand side, and select “Volunteer Application” to reach the application. Note “HELP” in area of interest within the application.