Watercolour painting isn’t typically what comes to mind when one thinks about a hospital. But for Elizabeth Johnston, it's been a key part of her recovery in Michael Garron Hospital’s (MGH) General Internal Medicine Unit.
“I am an artist,” Elizabeth says. “I enjoy painting here and being able to create something new.”
During her stay at MGH, Elizabeth has flexed her artistic muscles by creating paintings of nature and trees comprised of brushstrokes in calming shades of green, blue and yellow.
She’s also had the chance to chat regularly with volunteers and participate in other activities like reading, listening to music and doing puzzles. This is in addition to receiving high-quality, comprehensive medical care from her team at MGH.
The activities are part of MGH’s recently launched Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), a research- and volunteer-based patient support program that helps prevent delirium in older hospitalized patients and maintains their ability to live a healthy lifestyle.
Recognizing that being in the hospital disrupts a patient’s normal routine, which may cause older patients to develop delirium, HELP involves a team of trained staff and volunteers who facilitate activities that help keep patients social, active and feeling like themselves.
“Patients who are of a certain age and who sit by themselves day after day are at risk of their mental and physical abilities declining,” says Deanna Rosolen, Activation Coordinator who helped launch HELP at MGH. “With HELP, our goal is to ensure our older patients are able to continue doing the things they were able to before they came to the hospital.”
Providing connection and companionship
Since its launch in August 2024, HELP has supported more than 130 patients at MGH. It is currently available to older adults in the General Internal Medicine Units in A3 and B3, as well as the Stavro Emergency Department.
This helps improve the health and well-being of older patients in these departments while reducing their risk of delirium: a sudden change in mental status, or sudden confusion, that may develop over time.
The interdisciplinary HELP Team includes a Behavioural Specialist, Activation Coordinators, and specially trained HELP volunteers who visit older patients at the hospital throughout the week to provide connection and companionship.
This is done through engaging older patients in conversation or doing therapeutic activities like arts and crafts, word searches or puzzles together. This is especially important if patients do not have loved ones regularly visiting them.
“If I can help someone feel less lonely and more comfortable – even for just a moment – that’s the most rewarding part of the experience,” says Marjory Masson, a HELP volunteer at MGH.
“It’s all about building relationships,” adds Rosie Sears, Behavioural Specialist at MGH who conducts patient assessments and evaluations, while also monitoring patients’ progress within HELP. “Connecting with patients and learning about who they are helps to create a sense of security and belonging, which is crucial during a hospital stay.”
‘Team effort’ to support older patients
As part of HELP, volunteers also accompany patients during meals and guide them through simple exercises or walks to help maintain their mobility.
Occupational therapists at MGH, some of whom may be students known as externs, support this work. The inclusion of occupational therapy in HELP at MGH makes the program unique from other hospitals where HELP is also offered.
“It is a team effort to ensure our older patients are supported in the best way possible, while maintaining their dignity and quality of life,” says Mariah McCaw, an occupational therapy extern who supports HELP at MGH. “It’s been rewarding to see the interventions we provide make a significant impact on patients’ overall well-being.”
Externs like Mariah have also had the opportunity to introduce more novel therapeutic tools, such as animatronic pets, to HELP. These are lifelike, robotic therapy animals, like dogs and cats, that have been shown to have a positive effect on older adults’ well-being.
“Animatronic pets help patients feel more at ease, particularly when they are feeling restless or distressed,” Mariah says. “Simply petting the animal can simulate sensory experiences that bring comfort and evoke positive memories. It can trigger feelings of familiarity and happiness, helping patients relax and engage in other activities, like eating or resting, more comfortably.”
In addition to these supports, patients receive sleep support strategies that help make sleeping in a hospital more relaxing and comfortable. These strategies include listening to an audiotape or participating in a meditative exercise.
The result is a holistic approach to care that considers patients’ mental, emotional and physical well-being.
“I am incredibly proud and thankful to our teams who have been instrumental in launching HELP, which will benefit hundreds of older adults hospitalized at MGH every year,” says Jennifer Sampson, Director of Transitional Care and Senior Strategy at MGH. “Their support and dedication have made a positive impact, and I am excited to see how the program progresses and continues to help our older patients.”
Benefits extend to loved ones
HELP was launched at MGH with the support of donors, including Allen Holmes, whose mother received care at the hospital and who will further support the program as a volunteer. Donations to Michael Garron Hospital Foundation have also enabled the purchase of equipment that supports HELP, including animatronic pets.
The HELP Team is working to expand the program to other areas at MGH where there are older hospitalized patients.
The program offers peace of mind not only to older patients, but their loved ones, too.
“The social aspect of the care – knowing the HELP Team is spending time with my mom and making sure she is happy – really eases my mind,” says Olenka Defranco, Elizabeth’s daughter.
“The HELP Team also genuinely takes interest in my mom, and when I come visit, they make an effort to greet me and get to know me. It’s made things all around more comfortable because I know my mom is receiving the best care possible.”
For Elizabeth, the most memorable part of participating in HELP has been the compassion and attentiveness shown by every team member.
“Everyone has been so gentle and understanding with me,” Elizabeth says. “I am always asked how I’m feeling or if I need anything. It’s the little things that make such a difference.”
Learn more about the Hospital Elder Life Program, including how to volunteer.