HELP at Griffin Hospital in Derby is seeking volunteer help

Volunteers sought for program to assist older patients at Griffin Hospital./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Hospital Elder Life Program at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., is looking for volunteers to provide additional support for elderly patients.

HELP is designed to offer special services to older adults hospitalized at Griffin. Research shows between 30 and 50 percent of seniors can experience a decline in their physical and cognitive abilities during a hospital stay.

HELP is a comprehensive, evidence based, patient-care program that provides various volunteer interventions such as meal time assistance, friendly visits, activities, walking and exercise to help patients maintain their optional level of functioning. 

HELP team members work in partnership with the doctors and nursing staff to highlight issues specific to geriatric care and to provide education to patients and their families.

Training and supervision will be provided. No previous medical experience is required. Volunteers have a choice of working various weekday shifts between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Scholarship incentives are also available for eligible college students.

The next HELP training is scheduled to begin in the fall. 

To learn more about this important program or to become a HELP volunteer, call Laura Murphy, 203-732-7466.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.