For elderly individuals, a hospital stay can be particularly isolating. Far from the comforts of home and often separated from loved ones, older patients may experience loneliness and decreased well-being during their time in care. Recognizing this critical need for human connection, the Samuel Steinberg Family Foundation generously established the Companion Care Program at the Geriatrics Special Care unit in Santa Monica. This innovative companion care program is designed to provide personalized support and engagement to older patients while they are hospitalized, making a significant difference in their hospital experience.
What is the Companion Care Program?
The companion care program at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center relies on a dedicated team of specially trained volunteers. These compassionate individuals offer one-on-one companionship to elderly patients, focusing on enriching their hospital stay through meaningful interaction. Volunteers engage in a variety of activities tailored to the patient’s needs and preferences. These activities can range from simply reading aloud and engaging in comforting conversations, to playing board games or cards to stimulate mental acuity and provide entertainment. Volunteers are also trained to assist with practical needs under the supervision of the nursing staff, such as assisting with meal times or providing support during short walks within the hospital environment. This holistic approach of the companion care program aims to improve the patient’s overall sense of well-being and reduce the negative impacts of hospitalization.
Mission and Impact of Companion Care
The core mission of the companion care program is to enhance the hospital experience for elderly patients by providing purposeful and supportive visitation. The program directly addresses key challenges faced by hospitalized seniors, aiming to improve patient orientation, promote calmness, and elevate mood. By providing consistent and engaging companionship, the program strives to create a more positive and less stressful environment for patients during their recovery. The impact of such programs is significant, offering not just emotional support, but also potentially contributing to improved patient outcomes through reduced anxiety and increased social interaction.
Volunteer Scheduling and Commitment
Understanding the busy lives of volunteers, the companion care program offers flexible scheduling options. Operating seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 am to 11 pm, the program allows volunteers to choose shifts that fit their availability using an online system. A minimum commitment of just 4 hours per week is requested, with a maximum of 6 hours per day, making it accessible for many individuals to participate. Volunteers who dedicate 150 hours to the program are recognized for their commitment and may be considered for a letter of recommendation, valuable for those pursuing further education or career opportunities in healthcare or related fields.
Onboarding and Training for Volunteers
Becoming a volunteer in the companion care program involves a comprehensive and supportive onboarding process. After an initial application and acceptance, prospective volunteers complete online training modules covering essential topics such as hospital protocols, patient confidentiality, and safety guidelines. Health record submissions are also managed online for efficiency and security. Following the online component, volunteers are invited to an in-person orientation at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center. This in-person training provides crucial hands-on learning, including instruction on isolation precautions, understanding and interacting with patients experiencing delirium or dementia, specific techniques for engaging with geriatric patients, and feeding assistance training. This thorough training ensures that volunteers are well-prepared and confident in their roles, equipped to provide high-quality companionship and support.
How to Join the Companion Care Program
If you are over the age of 18 and possess a compassionate spirit and a desire to make a real difference in the lives of elderly hospital patients, volunteering with the companion care program could be a rewarding experience. The program requires a minimum commitment of 150 hours, a timeframe that allows volunteers to build meaningful relationships with patients and truly contribute to the program’s mission. To apply and begin your journey as a companion care volunteer, please visit the following link: volunteer.uclahealth.org/custom/527/opp_details/4135.
Get in Touch
For those interested in volunteering or seeking further information about the companion care program, please do not hesitate to reach out. Jagrup Kaur is available to answer your questions and provide additional details. You can contact her via email at [email protected]. Your interest and support can bring comfort and companionship to elderly patients in need.
