The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is an evidence-based program designed to prevent and manage delirium and functional decline in hospitalized older adults. Delirium affects a significant proporti on of seniors during acute illness and hospitalization, contributing to longer stays, complications, and long-term cognitive changes. HELP aims to minimize these risks through targeted interventions delivered by Elder Life Specialists and trained volunteers. HELP is in alignment with the Delirium Aware Safer Healthcare (DASH) campaign that aims at reducing hospital-acquired delirium across Ontario.
Since launching at Halton Healthcare in 2016, HELP operates across all three sites, supporting older patients to maintain cognitive and physical function throughout their hospital stay.
Why HELP Matters
Research has shown that HELP:
- Reduces the incidence and severity of delirium.
- Prevents cognitive and functional decline.
- Decreases falls and hospital-acquired complications.
- Improves patient experience and emotional wellbeing.
HELP volunteers enhance patient experience by offering meaningful social connections, assistance, and engagement.
What HELP Provides
Each enrolled patient receives a personalized care plan created by the Elder Life Specialist. Volunteer visits may occur daily, and include the following interventions:
- Orientation & Social Support – Daily visits for reassurance, meaningful conversation, and cognitive engagement.
- Therapeutic Activities – Puzzles, reading, reminiscence, and other mentally stimulating tasks.
- Early Mobilization – Mobility exercises to maintain strength and independence.
- Companionship & Mealtime Support – Assistance with tray setup and encouragement as needed.
- Sleep Enhancement – Nonpharmacological strategies to promote rest and relaxation. ‑pharmacological strategies to promote rest and relaxation.
- Support for Hearing & Vision – Reminders to use glasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices.
Resources for Patients and Their Families:
What is Delirium?
Delirium is a short-term state of confusion that makes it hard to focus or think clearly. It can start quickly, in just a few hours or days, and may last for a short time or longer time. Delirium is different from dementia. Dementia gets worse over time and does not go away. Delirium is common in older adults and can make it hard to recover from illness or injury. It also increases the risk of falls and injuries. Delirium needs quick medical care and can often be prevented.
Who is at Risk for Delirium?
People are more likely to get delirium if they:
- Are 65 years old or older
- Have dementia or depression
- Need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or eating
- Have trouble seeing or hearing
- Are not drinking or eating enough
- Take many different medications
- Have several medical problems
- Have had surgery (can cause short-term confusion)
What Are the Symptoms of Delirium?
Symptoms can be different for each person and may come and go. They include:
- Trouble understanding what is happening
- Confusion about daily events, routines, or people
- Saying things that do not make sense
- Changes in personality
- Seeing or hearing things that are not real
- Thinking others are trying to harm them
- Becoming very quiet and withdrawn
- Feeling anxious, stressed, or restless
- Changes in sleep and eating habits
- Slurred or rambling speech
How to Care for Someone with Delirium
If you notice signs of delirium, tell a doctor or nurse right away. You can also help by:
- Keeping the room quiet and peaceful
- Placing familiar objects nearby
- Using soft lighting (not too bright)
- Making sure glasses, hearing aids, and dentures are used properly
- Encouraging walking or movement to prevent falls
- Ensuring they eat and drink enough
- Staying with them and reminding them of the date, time and where they are
- Speaking calmly and reassuring them
- Giving one simple instruction at a time
- Trying gentle massages, which may help them relax
- Keeping an updated list of their medications and medical history
Patient Education Handout on Delirium (PDF)
Delirium Prevention Strategies — available in multiple languages
Regional Geriatric Program of Toronto — resources for Older Adults and Care Partners
AGS CoCare: Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)