More Regional asks for volunteers for HELP program; organizers explain Epic advanced-directive scanning and hospice drive-thru event

At the Moore County event, Stephanie described the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), an evidence-based volunteer-driven model to prevent hospital-acquired delirium for patients 70 and older on certain medical-surgical units at More Regional.

She explained volunteers and family members support cognitive stimulation and reorientation — simple actions such as talking, reminding patients about the day and time or helping preserve routines — that can reduce delirium risk. ‘‘Family members are always the best advocates and the best teachers for their family members,’’ she said, and invited interested residents to contact Lynn at Moore County Senior Services or hospital volunteer services to sign up.

Speakers also addressed advance directives: several attendees said they had their healthcare power of attorney and DNR documents and asked whether those records appear in Epic/MyChart. Stephanie confirmed hospital records management staff can scan documents into Epic and that First Health Hospice runs an annual drive-thru advanced-directives event (notary and witnesses on site) that results in hospital record updates.

Why it matters: Volunteer programs such as HELP can lower the incidence of hospital-acquired delirium, a condition associated with worse outcomes. Ensuring advance directives are scanned into a patient’s medical record reduces confusion during emergencies and helps clinicians follow patients’ legally documented wishes.

The organizers closed by asking attendees to contact volunteer services or Lynn to learn how to participate and by offering follow-up printed resources.