By DOROTHY S. SAUCIER, R.N., Head Nurse and CLARENCE P. HODA, Nursing Assistant Gulfport Division, Veterans Administration Center Biloxi, Mississippi F OR OVER SIX MONTHS a patient-volunteer program, designed to utilize the help of younger psychiatric patients in caring for older, less able patients, has been in effect at this hospital. The venture began when a young patient from an open ward came to the geriatric ward and expressed a desire to help, stating that he wished to do something for the older men and that he needed something to occupy his time. After obtaining the approval of his ward physician, we quickly selected patients and assignments for him. He took certain patients for walks or to the canteen; others, he took outside the building to sit in the sun. He escorted the newly privileged patients on tours of the hospital grounds, pointed out the various facilities for their use, and assisted them in relearning the handling of money and other simple responsibilities. The services of this patient proved to be so beneficial that we soon began to consider using other patients in a similar manner. The idea was discussed in our ward conference, and one of the team members offered to convey our needs to the staff of an open, progressive ward. The staff response was gratifying, and the interest of several patients was quickly elicited. The project began with meetings of the patientvolunteers, a clinical psychologist, and members of the nursing staff. It was explained to the patients that the amount of time to be given to this activity would be entirely voluntary and that the assignment would not interfere with other aspects of their treatment program or delay their discharge. After these initial meetings, others were held with a nursing assistant who was assigned as coordinator of the program. He conducted individual interviews with the men to appraise their attitudes, discover their interests and hobbies, and establish the time that each might devote to the assignment. To avoid later discouragement, he emphasized that a direct expression of appreciation or recognition of services should not be expected from the elderly patients. The patient-volunteers were often reminded that they were not obligated to continue in their assignment if they lost interest in it. A card file was set up, containing the assignment hours planned for each volunteer, his home town, and any other information which might provide a link or common ground between the volunteer and “his” patient. As one might expect, several problems arose. We found that in some instances patient-volunteers were not properly guiding the elderly patients in purchases at the canteen; they sometimes took the patients off the ward when they were scheduled for treatment or medication; and a general lack of communication was apparent. To eliminate such problems, bimonthly meetings were instituted in order that the nurses, clinical psychologist, and coordinator could talk over procedures and problems with the patient-volunteer group. These meetings are also used to express appreciation and give recognition for their work. The sessions are informal, and time is allowed for socializing and refreshments. The manager of this center attended one of the meetings and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of these patient-volunteers. We continue to seek opportunities for maintaining the interest of this group. They have been issued name tags similar to those used by the employees, and once a month they participate in the ward conference. Although certain patient-volunteers have at times become oververbal at these conferences, several valuable suggestions for improvement of patient care have been made. At present, nine regular patient-volunteers are assigned to the geriatric ward, and four patients, who comprise a small band, provide entertainment on a weekly basis. Although we are pleased with the progress of the program, we are not eager to enlarge it at this time. It is our feeling that we should expand slowly, evaluate each new aspect of the program, and carefully screen new members. We feel that the patient-volunteer program has provided elderly patients with much more individual attention than the employees can give. In addition, it has provided an opportunity for the patient-volunteers to render service to others through an organized program. Finally, it has allowed the employees and patients to work together toward a common goal with a feeling of mutual respect.