Volunteers make a significant difference for elderly patients who often develop confusion and lose ground physically when in the hospital. Through Maine Medical Center’s Hospital Elder Life Program, they provide calming relief from the quick-paced hospital environment.

Empathetic and caring volunteers are needed to visit with elderly patients and engage them in life stories, assist and encourage them at meal time, motivate them to exercise or walk, and provide them with a hearing device or magnifier as needed. For more information, please contact Cynthia Barnard, Elder Life Specialist, Volunteer Coordinator, at Maine Medical Center, 662-6353.

Interested volunteers must first become Maine Medical Center volunteers and then attend three training classes specifically designed for the Hospital Elder Life Program volunteer. They must be at least 16 years of age and must be willing to assume responsibility beyond sitting and talking with the patients. Following the training, volunteers will participate in at least four shadowing experiences and must pass a competency evaluation by the Elder Life Specialist.

Once trained, volunteers will be assigned one 3-hour shift each week for 5-8 patients. Shifts include visits, discussion of current events, assistance with meals and walks or exercises, and teaching relaxation. Volunteers will also lead the patients in independent, therapeutic activities such as reminiscing to keep them occupied, alert, and positive. Volunteers are expected to continue in the assigned shift for a minimum of six months. Current volunteers have found their experiences extremely enriching.