Are There Still Candy Stripers In Hospitals
For those who are not familiar with the term, a Candy Striper is a volunteer who helps in various non-medical tasks in hospitals. They are called Candy Stripers because of the red and white striped pinafores they wear.
The history of Candy Stripers dates back to the 1940s when they were first introduced to the United States. The idea was to encourage young women to volunteer in hospitals and provide non-medical support to patients and staff.
What Do Candy Stripers Do?
Candy Stripers assist in various tasks such as delivering mail and flowers to patients, transporting patients to different departments, running errands, and assisting in administrative tasks.
They also provide emotional support to patients by talking to them, reading them books, and playing games with them. Candy Stripers also help in organizing events and activities for patients such as parties and games.
Why Did Candy Stripers Decline in Popularity?
Despite the many benefits of having Candy Stripers in hospitals, their numbers have significantly declined over the years. One of the reasons for this decline is the changing demographics of volunteers. With more women entering the workforce, the number of young women who have free time to volunteer in hospitals has decreased.
Another reason is the changing role of hospitals. With the increasing complexity of medical care, hospitals have shifted their focus to providing professional medical care, leaving non-medical tasks to paid staff.
Are There Still Candy Stripers in Hospitals Today?
Despite the decline in popularity, there are still hospitals that have Candy Striper programs. These programs are usually run by volunteers who are passionate about providing non-medical support to patients and staff.
Some hospitals have also introduced new programs that cater to the changing needs of patients and staff. For example, some hospitals have introduced therapy dog programs where trained dogs visit patients and provide emotional support.
The Benefits of Having Candy Stripers in Hospitals
Candy Stripers provide many benefits to hospitals, patients, and staff. They help in enhancing the patient experience by providing non-medical support that can make patients feel more comfortable and less stressed.
They also help in reducing the workload of staff, allowing them to focus on providing professional medical care. Candy Stripers can also serve as ambassadors of the hospital, promoting a positive image of the hospital in the community.
The Future of Candy Stripers in Hospitals
The future of Candy Stripers in hospitals is uncertain. While some hospitals still have Candy Striper programs, their numbers have significantly declined over the years.
However, there is still a need for non-medical support in hospitals. With the changing demographics of volunteers, hospitals need to find new ways to attract and retain volunteers who are passionate about providing non-medical support to patients and staff.
Perhaps, the future of Candy Stripers lies in introducing new programs that cater to the changing needs of patients and staff. Whatever the future may hold, Candy Stripers will always be remembered as an important part of the history of hospitals.