For patients that suffer from neurological conditions, the Dance for Movement class provides them with physical activity and the opportunity to explore dance and fitness in a unique and profound way.

Volunteers for this program, exclusive to Texas Health Dallas, assist the dance instructor by doing small tasks, helping participants and moving the class props and chairs into place.

Patients who do not speak English fluently may be fearful as they seek to understand a foreign experience. Volunteers who are fluent in a second language, that pass a competency exam, would be dispatched for interpretation services throughout a hospital campus in order to bridge the gap of information for patients and families.

When a patient’s stay in the hospital might be longer than expected, patients enjoy distractions. Volunteers for the Patient Activity Cart would wheel the cart to the patient’s room to assist in finding activities to engage them as they continue to heal. The Patient Activity Cart opportunity is available at Texas Health Fort Worth.

The SPOONS program, offered at Texas Health Denton and Texas Health Fort Worth, provides patients with trained hospital volunteers to provide mealtime assistance and socialization. SPOONS Volunteers provide mealtime assistance for 4-6 hours weekly (or 1-2 meals weekly). Additionally, SPOONS volunteers can help with distributing items from the activity cart and providing socialization for patients in between meals.

SPOONS Program Objectives:

• Promote optimal nutritional status in hospitalized patients
• Provide assistance with meals to patients without known swallowing difficulties
• Provide socialization and cognitive stimulation during mealtimes
• Provide opportunities for volunteers seeking interaction with patients