MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation
PROGRAMS
Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
Saddleback Medical Center has implemented the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), an innovative model of care that prevents hospitalized patients aged 65 years and older from developing delirium, a common yet often unrecognized change in mental state that can lead to cognitive and physical decline, longer hospitalization, and death. HELP features a nurse educator and trained volunteers who use evidence-based interventions to improve patient mobility, cognitive activity, and sleep, which prevents patients from developing delirium during hospitalization. Philanthropic funds help our hospital purchase necessary HELP toolkit supplies for program interventions.
The HELP program has been successfully implemented at our hospital since 2021.
Targeted interventions include:
• Daily visitor program with structured cognitive orientation
• Therapeutic activities program
• Early mobilization
• Non-pharmacologic sleep protocol
• Hearing and vision protocol
• Feeding and hydration assistance
Our team provides these evidence-based interventions for 7,200+ senior patients annually and aims to achieve the following outcomes:
• Help senior patients maintain physical and cognitive functioning throughout hospitalization, to prevent onset of delirium
• Maximize senior patients’ independence at discharge
• Provide families and caregivers with tools that will help senior patients on their continued care journey after hospitalization
• Improve hospital staff’s knowledge of best practices for geriatric care
Because of the success of this program at our hospital, other MemorialCare hospitals are also looking into implementing the HELP program.
Maternal-Child Health Resources Program
The Maternal-Child Health Resources Program at Saddleback Medical Center provides comprehensive social work support and mental health care for at-risk expectant and new mothers. Our dedicated maternity social worker assesses the individual needs of patients and then provides education, emotional support, and referrals to essential resources, including our free, therapist-led Postpartum Support Group. Together, these services improve maternal mental health, strengthen family stability, and promote healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies. Philanthropic funds support our social worker’s salary and materials, as well as fees for the Postpartum Support Group.
The Maternal-Child Health Resources Program provides mental health support to an average of 600+ maternity patients annually.
Our team provides:
• Maternal mental health screening and biopsychosocial assessments
• Crisis intervention and emotional support
• Bereavement support, when necessary
• Patient education
• Personalized care coordination
• Referrals to community resources, including our free Postpartum Support Group
Through these interventions, the program aims to achieve the following outcomes:
• Reduce maternal anxiety and depression and improve emotional well-being
• Strengthen parent-infant bonding and family stability
• Increase access to essential resources and follow-up care
• Support safe, coordinated transitions from hospital to home
• Foster community and reduce isolation for new mothers
These efforts lead to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies and help ensure more equitable, patient-centered care.
CONTACT
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation
24451 Health Center Drive
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Christy Ward
Phone: 949-452-3724