Hospital Elder Life Program (H.E.L.P.)
Nationally each year, up to half of all hospitalized elders have a decline in both mental and physical function. H.E.L.P. offers specialized care to prevent seniors from experiencing such declines while they are in our care so they can return home and back to their fulfilling lives. You can help patients at risk for these declines by making a gift to this important program.
This program really matters. H.E.L.P. is nationally recognized as an evidence-based way to improve patient outcomes. The program uses donor dollars to purchase simple patient-engagement supplies such as:
- Eye glasses (“readers”) = $60/box of 36
- Pocket talkers (help patients hear) = $50 each
- Weighted activity blanket = $100 each
- iPads = $500 each
- Volunteer education/appreciation
- Other needed supplies: newspaper subscriptions, puzzles, games, hearing aid batteries, etc.
With needs as basic as these, your dollars will make a big difference!

H.E.L.P. operates on a shoestring budget and is largely volunteer-driven. This team and its work would benefit greatly from $15,000 -$20,000 in donor dollars each year. Already in FY17 we’ve seen incredible kindness making a real difference. Dr. Michael and Maggie LaCombe made a multi-year commitment to support H.E.L.P., $5,000 of which will have an impact this year on many of our aging family and friends in fragile situations. We thank them for their kindness and encourage you to join them with a gift of any size!
What is delirium?
- Delirium is a state of mental confusion that develops quickly and usually fluctuates in intensity.
What is the incidence rate of delirium?
- for MaineGeneral Health patients age 70+ is 20 percent.
- For the 73 patients enrolled in the HELP program pilot since Feb. 4, two developed delirium which is an incidence rate of 2.7 percent.
- The national average ranges from 15-40 percent and MGH’s is 13 percent.
What are the most prominent risk factors?
- Age 70+ (national guideline)
- Hearing/vision impairment
- Pre-existing cognitive impairment
- Dehydration
- Medications
- Specific maladies such as hip fracture and urinary tract infections which lead to dehydration