Kendal on Hudson: Co-Pilot Program

What would you do if you found yourself in an emergency situation, and you didn’t have a spouse, friend or family member nearby to accompany you to the emergency room?

To answer this question, Katherine S., a resident of Kendal on Hudson, founded the Co-Pilot program in 2008 to provide Kendal residents a source of comfort during a stressful situation.

What is the Co-Pilot program?

The Co-Pilot program consists of Kendal on Hudson resident volunteers who accompany any resident who needs to visit the emergency room at Phelps Memorial Hospital. The Co-Pilot volunteer provides:

• comfort to the resident going to the emergency room
• someone who can remain nearby until the urgent situation calms down or until the family arrives
• help in making necessary phone calls, such as canceling appointments
• the option of retrieving belongings from resident’s apartment home

How does it work?

The Co-Pilot program has around 40 resident volunteers, and they are always happy to welcome more. Each volunteer selects a 12-hour shift—day or night. Then, when they are on-call, they are provided with a cell phone dedicated to only Co-Pilot phone calls. If a resident is in need of emergency help and does not have family or friend support available, the emergency nurse contacts the Co-Pilot.

Community Support

“Everyone is very appreciative of the service,” Norman, a Kendal resident and Co-Pilot coordinator said. “You don’t have to go to the emergency room alone. It helps to have someone to help support you emotionally. The program adds a sense of community.”

Since its induction, the program has been able to support over 200 residents in need of a Co-Pilot during an emergency situation. In 2010, the Co-Pilot program received a Leading Age Innovation of the Year Award. Other CCRC communities have contacted Kendal on Hudson to seek advice and guidance on starting their own programs to provide support to their residents.

Helpful Tips for Accompanying a Friend to the ER

If you need to go with a friend or family member to the emergency room, you may want to know how you can help and be of comfort. Here are some helpful tips on what you can do to help:

• Stay calm. No matter what the emergency is, staying calm is one of the best ways you can help your friend in this stressful situation.
• Notify a nurse if you see any change in the patient such as mental status, weakness or sweating.
• Stay as quiet as possible to allow your friend to rest. Use your cell phone outside of the emergency room. This helps keep the environment quiet and protects your friend’s privacy.
• Prevent falls by keeping your friend in bed. Check with the nurse before allowing them to stand up.
• Keep your hands washed to help prevent the spread of germs.
• Stay in one spot so hospital staff can find you.

Skilled Nursing and Rehab Services at Kendal on Hudson

Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services at Clearwater are readily available to any independent living residents at Kendal on Hudson who would need it after a hospital stay. Clearwater offers many services, including:

• Private accomodations with private bathrooms;
• 24-hour nursing care provided by Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants;
• Dietary consultation;
• Integrated physical, occupational and speech therapy, designed to help residents attain their highest level of physical well being.

Learn more about the resident-driven lifestyle at Kendal on Hudson or find more information about our living options by visiting us online or scheduling a tour.