The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is an innovative volunteer program designed to prevent both delirium and functional decline in admitted patients. HELP volunteers provide specialized support and targeted intervention to hospitalized patients age 65 and older, addressing a broad scope of geriatric issues known to contribute to cognitive and functional decline during hospitalization.

Before engaging with patients, volunteers receive 20 hours of specialized training in elder care and intervention techniques, both in the classroom and hands-on with the patients. Ongoing training is offered to all volunteers to strengthen their skills and effectiveness.

Why serve with HELP?

This program is ideal for retired healthcare workers, students seeking meaningful clinical experience in a hospital setting or those who care deeply about the geriatric populationVolunteers who meet service requirements may qualify for:

• Physician and advanced practitioner shadowing opportunities
• Networking with healthcare professionals
• A letter of reference for medical school or other healthcare programs

Responsibilities

HELP volunteers assist patients with:

• Daily orientation
• Therapeutic activities
• Early mobilization
• Socialization Meals
• Patient and family education

Requirements

Volunteers must:

• Be 18 or older
• Be enrolled in a healthcare-related college curriculum or have prior professional healthcare experience
• Commit to at least 100 service hours (about 4 hours per week over 2 semesters)

Locations

HELP is available at:

• Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital (Bloomsburg)
• Geisinger Community Medical Center (Scranton)
• Geisinger Medical Center (Danville)
• Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Wilkes-Barre)

Application periods

HELP runs year-round, with applications accepted during:

• Fall semester

  Apply in May → Orientation early September → Begin service in September

• Spring semester

  Apply in September → Orientation mid-December → Begin service in December/January

• Summer term 
  Apply in February → Orientation mid-May → Begin service in May