Inova Loudoun Hospital Now Providing Hospital Elder Life Program Services

Leesburg, VA – Inova Loudoun Hospital is now a part of the innovative Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). This free program works to improve the hospital experience for older patients. Being in the hospital can disrupt normal routines. Coping with these changes and the stress of illness can slow patient recovery.

HELP staff and volunteers offer assistance and activities at no charge that keep patients mentally and physically active, which helps prevent confusion and preserves mental and physical functioning in older patients. This extra attention enhances patient comfort and helps them maintain their independence while hospitalized. It also lessens or prevents what is known as delirium.

Delirium is a frightening but often controllable form of confusion that is surprisingly common among older patients in the hospital. It can often result from acute illness, infections, new medications or a move to unfamiliar surroundings.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to get involved at the hospital. We will provide specific training for our volunteers, no previous experience is necessary,” said James Worfolk, Elder Life Specialist, Inova Loudoun Hospital.

ILH is currently seeking volunteers who would like to make a difference in the lives of older adults. If interested in volunteering, please visit inova.org and search for volunteer opportunities or call 703-858-6547. For more information about HELP visit www.inova.org/help.

Media Contact: Reneé Brohard, APR, 540-454-3493

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Inova Loudoun Hospital, serving Loudoun County for over 100 years, is part of Inova, a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research.

About Inova
Inova is a global leader in personalized health, which leverages precision medicine to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. At Inova, we serve more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond.
We are shaping the future of health through our integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes. Our commitment to health and wellness is further reflected in our sustainable practices. Inova is home to world-class researchers, expert medical specialists and renowned scientists, who are driving innovation to improve patient care, prevent disease and promote wellness. For more information, visit inova.org, or find Inova on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.