Communicating with the

Older Adult
Why is communication important with the elderly?
Communication:
• retains good physical and emotional
wellbeing;
• maintains a sense of control and achievement
in the modern world;
• communicate feelings, needs, opinions, and
wishes for the future; and
• allows to talk about and cope with difficult
situations.
 Why are older adults afraid of
communication?
The older adults:
- don't want to bother others or be seen
as someone who is a complainer; and
- don't have the mental capacity to talk to
others or to fully express themselves
immediately.
- It is only over time that you get the
whole story.
Tips to Improve Communication with the Older Adults
• Use proper way in addressing them.
• Make older patients comfortable.
• Take a few moments to establish rapport.
• Try not to rush.
• Avoid interrupting.
• Use active listening skills.
• Demonstrate empathy.
• Avoid medical jargons.
• Be careful about language.
• Write down take-away points.
 Communicating with the Older Adults
• Allow extra time for older patients.
• Avoid distractions.
• Minimize visual and auditory distractions.
• Sit face to face.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Listen without interrupting the patient.
• Speak slowly, clearly and in normal tone.
• Use short, simple words and sentences.
• Stick to one topic at a time.
• Simplify and write down your instructions.
• Use charts, models and pictures to
illustrate your message.
• Frequently summarize the most
important points.
• Give patients an opportunity to ask
questions and express themselves.
 Communicating with the Older Adults

• Schedule older patients earlier in the

day.
• Greet them.
• Allow them to sit in a quiet and
comfortable area.
• Make things easy for them to read by
making signs, forms and brochures.
• Be ready to physically escort the patient.
• Check on them from time to time.
• Keep the patient relaxed and focused by using
touch.
• Say goodbye to end the visit on a positive note.
Walk with the patient to the checkout desk,
thank them for their visit and tell them
goodbye.
 Communication Changes Typical with
Aging
• Changes in physical health
• Depression
• Cognitive decline
• Physiologic changes in hearing, voice,
and speech processes
 Compensating for Hearing Deficits
• Make sure your patient can hear you.
• Talk slowly and clearly in a normal tone.
• Avoid using a high-pitched voice.
• Face the person directly at eye level (lip-read or pick up visual
clues).
• Keep your hands away from your face while talking.
• Keep a notepad handy so you can write what you are saying.
• Tell your patient when you are changing the subject.
• Background noises can mask what is being said.
• If your patient has difficulty with letters and numbers, give a
context for them.
 Compensating for Visual Deficits
• Provide adequate lighting, including sufficient light
on your face and try to minimize glare.
• Let patients wear eyeglasses if needed.
• Provide handwritten instructions.
• If the patient has trouble reading, consider
alternatives such as recording instructions,
providing large pictures or diagrams, or using aids
especially configured pillboxes.
• When using printed materials, make sure the type
is large enough and the typeface is easy to read.
Barriers to Effective Communication
• Physical barriers
• Perceptual barriers
• Emotional barriers
• Cultural barriers
• Language barriers
• Gender barriers
• Interpersonal barriers
• Withdrawal