The Gift of Service

"Oddly enough, my time as a volunteer may have done more for me than for anyone. The great experiences I have had and the people I have met through volunteering have changed my life."


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University Hospital

Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

Purpose

  • Visit hospitalized older adult patients daily and provide assistance with orienting, therapeutic activities, walking and/or exercising, and meal assistance
  • Provide empathetic support as well as companionship for older patients and families coping with acute illness and hospitalization

Reports To

Nancy Joyce

Elder Life Specialist

Division of Geriatrics

Available Shifts

Tuesday, 1:30-4:30pm

Wednesday, 4:30-8:30pm

Thursday, 10:30-1:30pm 

**A minimum time commitment of one shift per week for six months is required

Qualifications

  • Reliable and caring; enjoy working with older patients
  • Discreet, empathetic behavior and ability to exercise diplomacy in talking to patients, patient’s family and staff
  • Ability to work independently and assume responsibility while providing non-clinical care
  • Ability to refer questions to staff as needed
  • Complete 12 hours of HELP Classroom Volunteer Training, & Complete Shadowing shifts (follow experienced volunteer, be followed by experienced volunteer).

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Daily visits to patients enrolled in HELP to provide support and orienting communication
  • Participate in the therapeutic activities program by providing mentally stimulating activities at the bedside such as trivia, current events, etc.
  • Assist in the early mobilization program by walking active patients and performing range of motion exercises with bedridden patients
  • Provide assistance and companionship during meals
  • Assist HELP staff members as requested which may include patient rounding on the units, office work assistance, etc.