Promoting Excellence : Helping Hands Journal (Bristol Bay)

Name:
Bristol Bay: Helping Hands Journal

Definition:
The Helping Hands Journal is given to patients so that the patient's family and friends can record thoughts and stories that help capture the patient's life. The Journal which includes relevant poems and prayers, primarily Native American, serves as a lasting memory for the family.

Category:
Clinical Care Tools - Quality of Life

Source:
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation
Helping Hands Program
PO Box 130
Dillingham, AK 99576

Contact:
Bob Swope
bswope@bbahc.org

How the grantee used this instrument:
The Helping Hands Journals are being used in a number of ways. Family and friends have filled some journals with memories. Others include patients' stories recorded by visitors and teen volunteers. Some journals remain open in the assisted living facility for people to write in as they wish. The journals are also very popular outside of the Helping Hands program. Proceeds from the sale of the journal will help in a small way to offset the costs of continuing the Helping Hands program.

Keywords:
anticipatory grief, quality of dying, family experience, patient experience

To use this tool:
Copies of the Helping Hands Journal are available in limited supplies from Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation. Click on the order form below to view cost and ordering information. Email Monique Maas, mamas@bbahc.org with questions regarding product availability and ordering information.

Helping Hands Order Form (MS WORD, 116 KB / 1 page)

Posted August 2003

Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation overview page