Goals of the Hospital Elder Life Program

HELP was created by Sharon K. Inouye, M.D., M.P.H., at Yale University School of Medicine.

The program is an innovative approach to improving the hospital care for older patients.

The primary goals of the program are:

Maintaining cognitive and physical functioning of high risk older adults throughout hospitalization
Maximizing independence at discharge
Assisting with the transition from hospital to home
Preventing unplanned hospital readmissions

These goals have been accomplished using a multicomponent intervention strategy. In addition to targeted interdisciplinary geriatric assessment, the Program uses an innovative volunteer model to provide personal, supportive attention to vulnerable older patients. HELP materials include a structured curriculum for instructing volunteers to deliver daily orientation, early mobilization, feeding assistance, therapeutic activities, a non-pharmacological sleep protocol, and hearing/vision adaptations.

The Hospital Elder Life Program has been successful at returning older adults to their homes or previous living situations with maintained or improved ability to function.

Qualitative feedback regarding the additional benefits of the HELP Program:

This innovative program prevents decline in older patients and decreases human suffering for patients and their families.
Provides a venue for hospitals to become recognized as centers of excellence in the provision of geriatric care.
Personal attention and support are caring services that are valued by patients and their families. Patient satisfaction and outcomes improve.
Hospital nursing staff appreciate HELP because it improves patient care without adding to their responsibilities.
HELP creates opportunities for many departments to become educational sites for geriatric care.
Provides good, cost-effective care. It's a win-win-win-win for patients, HELP staff, hospital staff and hospital administration.
HELP creates opportunities for a broader type and number of volunteers, thereby strengthening the hospital's linkage to the community.
Provides a constructive, concrete experience to prepare families, communities and our health care system for our aging society.

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		Goals of the Hospital Elder Life Program HELP was created by Sharon K. Inouye, M.D., M.P.H., at Yale University School of Medicine. The program is an innovative approach to improving the hospital care for older patients. The primary goals of the program are: Maintaining cognitive and physical functioning of high risk older adults throughout hospitalization Maximizing independence at discharge Assisting with the transition from hospital to home Preventing unplanned hospital readmissions These goals have been accomplished using a multicomponent intervention strategy. In addition to targeted interdisciplinary geriatric assessment, the Program uses an innovative volunteer model to provide personal, supportive attention to vulnerable older patients. HELP materials include a structured curriculum for instructing volunteers to deliver daily orientation, early mobilization, feeding assistance, therapeutic activities, a non-pharmacological sleep protocol, and hearing/vision adaptations. The Hospital Elder Life Program has been successful at returning older adults to their homes or previous living situations with maintained or improved ability to function. Qualitative feedback regarding the additional benefits of the HELP Program: This innovative program prevents decline in older patients and decreases human suffering for patients and their families. Provides a venue for hospitals to become recognized as centers of excellence in the provision of geriatric care. Personal attention and support are caring services that are valued by patients and their families. Patient satisfaction and outcomes improve. Hospital nursing staff appreciate HELP because it improves patient care without adding to their responsibilities. HELP creates opportunities for many departments to become educational sites for geriatric care. Provides good, cost-effective care. It's a win-win-win-win for patients, HELP staff, hospital staff and hospital administration. HELP creates opportunities for a broader type and number of volunteers, thereby strengthening the hospital's linkage to the community. Provides a constructive, concrete experience to prepare families, communities and our health care system for our aging society.