THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is proud to announce the launch of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) to improve care for elderly patients.
HELP is a registered, comprehensive program of care for hospitalized older patients, designed to prevent delirium and functional decline during hospitalization. Using a team of well-trained volunteers, it supports patients to be more functional and independent when discharged from hospital.
TBRHSC’s HELP Coordinator, Kelsey Lecappelain (second from right), works in conjunction with Clinical Nurse Specialist, Joy Kolic (left), Unit 2A Manager, Samantha Moir (right), a Geriatrician, a Volunteer Services Manager, nurses and other interprofessional staff to implement the HELP program. Steve Suke (second from left) says he appreciates the friendly HELP volunteers who have been involved in his family member’s care. “Very great program for my mother. Volunteers are very friendly and great for my mother’s morale. We are extremely satisfied.”
Are you interested in improving the experience of elderly hospital patients?
We are still looking for volunteers to provide support and companionship for patients enrolled in the HELP program through daily visits, therapeutic activities, walking and/or exercising, and feeding, particularly those who are available for daytime shifts. If you are over 18 and interested in becoming a HELP volunteer, please contact Volunteer Services at 684-6267 to learn more.
