Video Clips

There are 6 different chapters in a DVD available online at POGO-e (www.pogoe.org). They illustrate the HELP interventions visually. Through this section of the website, you may view short excerpts or "clips" of the HELP videos, designed to capture key aspects of the interventions. In order to view them, you will need to have computer software such as Media Player, Real Player, or Quick Time.

Instructions for accessing POGO-e.

	OVERVIEW - The Hospital Elder Life Program is an innovative model designed to improve the hospital experience of older patients. Often times, hospitalization for an older person means a decline in physical and mental abilities, making it difficult to recover from illness and return to their previous level of functioning. The primary goal of the Hospital Elder Life Program is to maintain the cognitive and physical functioning of the older hospitalized adult with volunteers carrying out four volunteer interventions.
	FEEDING - For older patients, maintaining good nutrition is essential not only to fighting infection and healing, but can also help prevent confusion. Volunteers encourage adequate intake and provide companionship, social contact and stimulation during meals.
	MOBILIZATION - Bed rest interferes with the function of major body organs and can lead to generalized deconditioning. The Early Mobilization Program aims to keep older patients physically moving while they are in the hospital. Those patients able to walk receive assistance three times a day, and those unable to walk receive coaching to complete simple exercise movements three times daily.
	DAILY VISITOR - It is quite common for older adults who show no signs of confusion at home to become disoriented and forgetful in the hospital. The primary goal of the Daily Visitor Program is to prevent confusion from developing by using Orienting Communication to provide the patient with information that they need to stay mentally aware of reality.
	THERAPEUTIC RECREATION - Recreational or leisure activity provides a balance to refresh the spirit and regain the energy spent during hours at "work" of treatment and recovery. Therapeutic activity programs are designed for patients to experience pleasant activities which boost self-esteem, encourage socialization, and provide mental stimulation, all of which prevent mental deterioration and lead to a faster recovery.
	VOLUNTEERS - Volunteers play a central role in this program, by carrying out program interventions directly at the bedside. This program gives volunteers a level of patient contact and responsibility that is unique amongst hospital programs. Volunteers help to create a friendly hospital environment by providing sympathetic support, encouragement and companionship to older patients and their families.