Delirium is the most prevalent complication for hospitalized older adults, and a program at Howard Young Medical Center, part of Ascension Wisconsin, has been recognized for the vital role its volunteers play in combating this issue.
The Volunteers of Howard Young Medical Center recently were awarded a Wisconsin Award for Volunteer Excellence (WAVE) by the Partners of the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA). The WAVE recognizes volunteer programs whose work directly furthers the mission of the institution they serve.
The Volunteers of Howard Young were recognized in the “in-service hospital program” category for the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), which helps prevent episodes of acute confusion for hospitalized patients.
“Volunteers are essential to providing the additional support needed to help patients at risk remain oriented and alert throughout their hospitalization,” said Lori Butkus, RN, HELP Coordinator at Howard Young Medical Center. “Volunteers provide companionship, assistance with meals, a variety of social activities, as well as simple conversation, which can aid in stimulating the mind.”
Volunteers play a crucial role in the HELP program by carrying out interventions directly at the bedside. The interventions center on risk factors that elderly patients face during hospitalization. Some are universal, but others are individual to each patient and can involve vision or hearing impairment, sleep deprivation, immobility, dehydration, cognitive impairment, or medication interaction.
“Since the inception of the program, delirium rates, average length of hospital stay, fall rates and readmission rates have all gone down,” said Laurie Oungst, Chief Administrative Officer at Howard Young Medical Center. “We are blessed with the support of our volunteers for this and many other programs, and we congratulate them on this honor.”
Photo: From left, Dee Ruesch, Volunteer; Betty Ruesch, Volunteer; Lori Butkus, RN, Hospital Elder Life Program Coordinator; and Nancy Krause, Volunteer.
