Prior to participating in my first community partnership with the “Hospital Elder Life Program” (HELP), I was aware that this program was created to prevent delirium among acutely ill elderly hospitalized patients. The aim is to maintain the cognitive and physical function of the patient so that he or she is as independent as possible when discharged. In doing so, this program includes several protocols, including therapeutic exercise, good nutrition, stress reduction, and sleep improvement, to name a few. Hence, this program utilizes interactive techniques involving patient conversations, which keeps them engaged. Thus, this wellness program is designed to support both mind and body healthy for optimal results, which has been proven to be very successful. Notably, with this program, I recognize that safety is of utmost importance. However, I am aware that patients who fall have a higher chance of suffering delirium, so it is critical to avoid falls as part of prevention.  
Although I have limited experience caring for patients who are part of the elderly population, I completed clinical rotations at New England Rehab, where I assisted in the care of the elderly and witnessed first-hand the effects of delirium. In one example, an elderly patient endured a long-term recovery after a broken hip, leading to an episode of confusion and agitation. In another case, a male patient was recovering from a stroke, and he, too, was confused and frightened. The staff worked diligently to give the patients as much normalcy as possible in a healthcare setting. In addition, the entire team provided care for the patient with kindness and focused on therapies to reduce the symptoms experienced by the patient. The aim was to help the patient not only recover physically but also to be released with cognitive independence as well.
Due to my limited involvement in working with elderly patients suffering from delirium, it is essential for me to gain an understanding of the aging and elderly population. From a health perspective, the elderly have a higher risk of illness and injury due to aging. Hence, as a nurse, it is highly likely I will be significantly involved with the treatment of this population due to the higher percentage of elderly patients treated each year. The experience with HELP will be rewarding for my future in care for the elderly. Furthermore, being involved in the program will give me insights into the complex condition of delirium and how to prevent it. Delirium can significantly impede recovery in the elderly and even lead to long-term consequences and death. Therefore, having a good understanding of this condition is crucial for my future success as a nurse working with this population. HELP is a wonderful opportunity. After all, I am incredibly excited to help the elderly because I often know their conditions can go untreated or they receive inferior care for one reason or another. My goal is to be highly conscientious and compassionate so that the elderly patients I care for acquire the highest level of care so that they have the best chance for a successful recovery.
 As an individual who works hard and is committed to achieving optimum results, I am prepared to be involved in this program, HELP.  I am anxious that I have never volunteered in a program such as this one in the past, so I have some fear of the unknown, but I am highly motivated to participate and help in this worthwhile and rewarding program.  I am confident that my nerves will be put to rest once I receive my training and have some time to acclimate to the process and protocols I will be practicing.  
Moreover, I am excited to help those in need and will do all I can to prevent delirium in my elderly patients and to provide the best care possible. I am ready to meet this population of patients and to help increase their mobility, maintain and improve their cognitive ability, and make their patient experience a positive one.  I realize many of these patients are nearing the end of life, and I am prepared to be a kind voice with a gentle hand and provide as much support as possible so that they can recover and be discharged from care with a high degree of independence.     
In Maine, I have not been involved with community programs caring for this population, but I have heard of the positive effects of pet therapy within nursing homes. Interaction between an elderly patient and an animal, whether it’s theirs or a support animal, can help physically and mentally. It can improve personal interaction, communication, movement, and willingness to exercise. The elderly may be more motivated to practice their therapy, and there may be increased optimism when they work with a pet.  In addition, spiritual care is a therapy for the elderly community. Staying involved in their religion and receiving spiritual counseling can be very important to an elderly patient. The use of spirituality enables an elderly patient to maintain meaningful faith-based relationships, which can help improve physical and emotional health.  
I am genuinely inspired to make a difference in my community and assist with Hospital Elder Life Program. I intend to positively impact each patient and work diligently to prevent delirium so that the elders I am involved with successfully recover and are released from care as independently as possible.