Why I'm Participating in the Big House 5K: Claudine Chiminski
2/7/2019 10:30:00 AM | Features, Community Engagement, Big House 5K
The 2019 Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors presented by Toyota on Sunday, April 7, will benefit six local, non-profit organizations selected based on the support they provide to our Washtenaw County community in key areas like housing, healthcare, the arts, youth programming and social services. In the weeks leading up to the race, MGoBlue.com will share stories from people inspired to participate this year because of one of the beneficiaries.
By Claudine Chiminski
My name is Claudine Chiminski and I am running in the Big House 5K for the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). After looking for a club that would help me further my interest in the field of nursing, I read the description of HELP's purpose and felt instantly drawn to this organization. My grandfather had dementia and I experienced firsthand how patient care affects more than just the patient.
Prior to my family's experience with my grandfather, I was unaware of the impact that nursing care has on the family directly. The simple acts of kindness that the volunteers provide, such as a walk or card game, is so comforting to families who cannot be with their loved one during their entire stay. These gestures are so greatly appreciated and can allow for some peace of mind.
I am running in the Big House 5K because I not only believe in the work HELP does, but I am also extremely proud of my fellow HELP members and the work they do. I was fortunate enough to join the fundraising team, which works closely with the official volunteer program HELP at the University Hospital. While I am currently only on the fundraising team, I hope to be a volunteer in the future.
About Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is a research-based volunteer program with a mission to promote the cognitive and physical health of patients across lifespans, families, and communities. Our team works primarily with adult patients age 65 and older at the University of Michigan Hospital. While at the hospital, the risk of physical and mental deterioration increases significantly. To combat this, we visit our patients daily with the goal of providing specific interventions to strengthen the body and mind. These interventions include physical exercises, distribution of various entertainment materials, relaxation activities, and encouragement to eat and hydrate regularly. We further offer our patients emotional support by forming personal connections during visits. Through meaningful interactions such as these, HELP makes often tense times in the hospital more comfortable, reduces the risk of delirium, shortens the overall length of stay, prevents falls within the hospital, and promotes optimal independence after discharge for our patients. For more information, visit connect2community.umich.edu.
