It’s never fun being admitted to hospital, but older seniors can be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects, especially if it’s an extended stay. The result can be delirium, which can lead to other problems. With an aging population, the number of older people in hospital is continuing to grow. So it’s great to see that Guelph General Hospital is set to launch a new program to help in this area.
Volunteers recruited to help with the new Hospital Elder Life Program will be specially trained. One of the aims will be to help return elderly patients to their homes with their functional abilities maintained or even improved. The program has proven its worth elsewhere in reducing delirium cases in hospital, says a Guelph General official. This has prompted the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network to provide funds to launch the HELP program here and in six other area hospitals.
It’s easy to imagine how the companionship, encouragement and assistance provided by HELP volunteers, under the direction of a couple of staff members, should be able to make things better for seniors over 70 who find themselves in the hospital. It’s a welcome program indeed.