10 Strategies for Communicating Effectively With Older Adults Laura M. Cascella, MA
10 Strategies for Communicating Effectively With Older Adults Laura M. Cascella, MA
The goal and question of how to communicate effectively has persisted in healthcare for years. Communication has long been recognized as a complex process that is prone to errors, oversights, and glitches. In terms of patient safety and malpractice risk, the implications of inadequate or poor communication are substantial. A 2015 report from CRICO Strategies that examined more than 23,000 malpractice cases filed between 2009 and 2013 found that communication was a factor in 30 percent of the cases. Further, 37 percent of all high-severity cases involved a communication failure. 1
Although communication is a challenge in all facets of healthcare— from small medical practices to large healthcare systems— senior care organizations face unique communication hurdles due to their resident populations. Healthcare providers and staff members who work in senior care facilities may face communication obstacles as a result of residents ' physical and cognitive impairments, limited health literacy, vision and hearing deficiencies, cultural and generational beliefs, and other factors.
Although a one-size-fits-all remedy for communication problems does not exist, healthcare providers and staff in senior care facilities can implement some basic strategies to improve communication with residents. Below are 10 recommendations for improving communication with senior care residents: 2
1. Address residents formally to show respect. Use " Mr.," " Mrs.," " Ms.," etc., unless you are on more familiar terms with the individual or the resident has expressed a preference for how he or she would like to be addressed.
2. Be aware that older adults might have difficulty hearing. To address hearing impairments, speak in a clear voice and do not rush what you ' re saying. Avoid shouting, as it may distort your language and make you more difficult to understand. Face the individual and make eye contact while speaking so he or she can see your mouth movements and watch for visual cues.
3. Avoid distractions and background noise as much as possible. Interruptions and competing noises( such as music, voices, computers, fans, etc.) can hinder effective communication and comprehension.
4. Be aware that older adults might have difficulty seeing. To address vision impairments, make sure the resident ' s living space and common spaces have adequate lighting. Encourage the resident to use his or her eyeglasses, if applicable. If the resident has severe vision impairment, consider alternative ways to provide information, such as through audio recording.
5. Don ' t interrupt or rush residents during communication. Doing so might imply lack of respect for the individual or general disinterest in what the resident is trying to communicate.
6. Avoid language that implies ageist stereotypes or might be viewed as disrespectful or patronizing. Even though these statements might be unintentional, they can negatively affect your ability to communicate well with residents. Carefully consider your wording and whether it is appropriate for the individual and the situation.
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