Sharing Soulprints:The Roger Dionne, MD, Senior Center along with the Health Ministry/Parish Nurse and the Volunteer Department presents the Sharing Soulprints: Hospital to Home Visitation Program.
Program Description:
Sharing Soulprints provides volunteer visitors to those who are chronically or acutely ill, older adults
who are alone, poor of spirit and/or means. It is often these clients who go unnoticed until a crisis
occurs. Sharing Soulprints will serve as a safety net to help prevent these crises by assisting them in
becoming part of the St. Joseph family. Wherever they enter on the continuum of care, we will be able to
make appropriate referrals, and keep older adults from “falling through the cracks.”
Services may begin upon inpatient admission. The need for a friendly visitor will be identified by clinical staff. The friendly visitor will be trained to provide communication, companionship, and social support to the client for the length of their hospitalization and return to home.
Volunteers provide the following services: friendly visits, errands, transportation to and from medical appointments, shopping, telephone reassurance and most importantly, active listening and presence. Coordination of services will be done by the hospital case manager.
Program Goals:
- Assist clients with the transition from hospital to home and prevent unplanned hospital readmission.
- To identify the unmet needs of our at risk clients.
- To attract qualified volunteers who are called to this ministry.
- To organize and coordinate the services of volunteers for maximum effectiveness.
- To collaborate with community agencies, physicians, and support groups to meet the needs of the clients and their families.
Once the client is discharged, the Soulprints Volunteers will continue to provide services.
Continuation of services will be periodically reevaluated.
In the event a client will need transportation to medical appointments, Soulprints has partnered with The Caregivers, Inc. The Caregivers, Inc. have provided services for clients of Greater Nashua and Manchester for more than 20 years. Their mission is: “Helping the frail, elderly and disabled maintain their independence and dignity through the spirit of volunteers.”
Outside Referrals:
Sharing Soulprints is not limited to hospitalized clients only. Referrals from community agencies, physicians, health professionals, or caregivers can be made through the Roger Dionne, MD, Senior Center or Milette Manor Parish Nursing Center. Assessment and coordination will be done on an outpatient basis. If needed, a nurse will make a home visit and assist in coordination of services.
For more information about Sharing Soulprints or to make a referral, please call The Roger Dionne, MD, Senior Center at (603) 595-3722 or Milette Manor Parish Nursing Center at (603) 598-2424.
If you are interested in becoming a Sharing Soulprints Volunteer, please call St. Joseph Hospital Volunteer Services at (603) 882-3000, ext. 64400.
