Evaluating Novel Healthcare Approaches to Nurturing and Caring for Hospitalized Elders

This is usual (standard) care across hospitals in this trial. A multidisciplinary team of nurse specialists, social workers, and volunteers implement daily protocols focused on orientation, cognitive stimulation, early mobilization, sleep enhancement, support with visual and hearing aids, mealtime assistance, hydration, reduction in polypharmacy, and nursing-based delirium prevention protocols.

Family members and care partners will provide daily emotional and social support during hospitalization. Additionally, family members and care partners will engage in HELP-based protocols throughout the day. The rationale for this protocol augmentation is two-fold: (1) HELP may not consistently have available volunteers (e.g., short-staffing) during a hospital stay, and (2) patients may be more likely to engage in therapeutic activities with a family member given the connection and comfort level.