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Program:
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Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
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Phone Numbers:
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905-845-2571 (main switchboard) * 905-845-2571 ext 4637 (for patient related inquiries)
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Toll-Free:
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To avoid long distance charges to a Halton Healthcare hospital, just dial local hospital number and request to be transferred
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Address:
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3001 Hospital Gate
Oakville, ON
L6M 0L8
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Map
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Intersection:
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Third Line and Dundas St W
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Service Description:
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HELP is designed to prevent delirium by keeping hospitalized seniors oriented to their surroundings, meeting their needs for nutrition, fluids, and sleep, and keeping them mobile within the limitations of their physical condition * hospitalized older patients may experience a decline in their physical and mental abilities, which makes it difficult for them to fully recover from their illness and return to their previous ability to function * currently available on all acute care medical and surgical units
Elder Life Specialists design a patient-specific program that is carried out up to 3 times day by trained volunteers * elements of the program may include: - daily visits to promote orientation and socialization
- therapeutic activities to keep patients mentally stimulated during their hospital stay
- early mobilization to provide daily walking assistance and exercises
- companionship and help with mealtime set up as needed
- the use of a natural approach to sleep enhancement
- reminder to use hearing and vision aids if necessary
Services provided are to:
- maintain the cognitive and physical functioning of patients throughout hospitalization
- allow patients to be discharged from the hospital as independently as possible
- assist with transition from the hospital to community
- prevent unplanned re-admissions
HELP is part of Safer Elder Care initiative that recognizes the unique needs of older adults and provides a culture of care that is sensitive to the needs of this population * Safer Elder Care initiative addresses common related geriatric issues such as delirium prevention and management, safe mobility, least restraint, falls prevention, skin care and the prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections
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Eligibility / Target Population:
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Older adults admitted to medical and surgical units at OTMH
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Languages:
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English
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Language Notes:
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Interpretive services available upon request
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