Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) has become the first hospital in New Jersey to be recognized as an AGS CoCare: HELP site by the American Geriatrics Society.
The designation acknowledges the hospital’s successful implementation of the Hospital Elder Life Program, or HELP, which is designed to improve care for hospitalized older adults and prevent cognitive and physical decline. The program launched at RWJUH in May 2022 and has since expanded to two units.
“This designation reflects our commitment to providing specialized care for older adults and addressing their unique needs,” said Dr. Ibiyonu Lawrence, division chief of geriatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and RWJUH. “We are educating ourselves on best practices and creating a better hospital experience for older patients.”
Led by Dhyana Vélez, MHA, RN, GERO-BC, GRN, the program brings together staff from departments including nursing, physical therapy, IT and dietary services. Volunteers — many of them students pursuing health care careers — are trained to assist patients at the bedside, encourage mobility and hydration, and help reduce stress before procedures.
The hospital plans to expand HELP to additional units and work toward earning recognition as a Center of Excellence.
