Communication with older adults

Basic concepts Problems that may HCP experience is mostly related to: 1. Societal discrimination and stereotyping 2. Lack of understanding for the physical changes that occur with normal aging. e.g., of people 64 – 74 year old, 24% have hearing loss.

Physical changes in normal aging - One main issue is that physical changes that occurs in old people affects their self esteem, self concept, and communication abilities. - Among the most are: 1. Vision and hearing acuity 2. Physical deterioration. 3. Increased vulnerability to illness

Cognition changes - No problem in intelligence but more time for verbal and retrieving in formation from memory - Less likely to make guessing - Very few percentage may have dementia problem - therefore: communication requires no modification BUT allowing little extra time to make a successful communication

Psychosocial and environmental - Multiple losses of people, activities, and functions - For those who made achievements: losses of self –esteem, and status - Losses of purpose of life and sense identity - Some mental problems such as: depression, somatization

Therapeutic strategies with specific losses Hearing: 1. Address by name 2. Determine if hearing is better in one ear 3. Speak distinctly but in a normal voice 4. Use facial and gestures expressions 5. Face the adults 6. If the adult does not understand, use different words 7. Do not talk and your hand in front of your mouth 8. Keep background noise as possible as minimum

Vision: 1. Have eye glass in place, if they are worn 2. Identify your self by name 3. Stand in front of the client 4. Verbally explain all written information 5. Provide appropriate lighting 6. Remove all hazards that may obstruct the pathway 7. Tell the client were you going when ambulating or moving from one place to another.

Responding to Psychosocial needs - Begin with the client’s story - Use proactive approach - Promoting client’s autonomy - Acting as client’s advocates

Blocks to communication 1. Offering cliché reassurance 2. Giving advices 3. Answering your own questions 4. Giving excessive praise or reprimands 5. Defending against complaints 6. Using parenting approach or behavior

Communication with cognitively impaired 1. Reminiscences 2. Repetition and instruction 3. Use of touch and eye contact 4. Use of multiple modalities 5. Use of distraction for disruptive behaviors