149 Mental Health Concerns and The Older Adult
● Include reassurance of understanding and use the teach-back method when applicable to the older adult and the family members or caregivers. Recommendations for accommodating hearing impairments include the follow- ing (NIA, 2017): ● Assess that the client can clearly hear you. If they cannot, ask if they use a hearing aid and make sure it is being used properly if needed. ● Use a regular pitch and volume. Raising your voice actually decreases understanding for those with hearing difficulties. ● Posture yourself directly in front of the client for face-to-face contact, which enhances their ability to read your lips if needed. ● Decrease background noise and close doors if they’re comfortable with it. ● Spell words out if confusion is present nonverbally. ● Have a piece of paper ready if you need to write or they want to write to you. ● When transitioning is going to take place in the interview, tell them verbally that you are changing the subject, for example, “I’m going to move on to the next part of this interview.” Recommendations for accommodating visual impairments include the following (NIA, 2017): ● Assess whether the client can clearly see. If they need eyeglasses, ask if they brought them. ● Proper lighting is necessary for the older adult. Reduce glare for screens. ● Ask for their preferred method of learning when providing instructions (verbal, written, visual, pictures, etc.) ● If writing, make sure they can read it.
heard (Jack et al., 2019). The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has recommen- dations for improving communication with the older adult. Communication with older adults is often hindered by declin- ing sensory, cognitive, and physical abili- ties (NIA, 2021a). Therefore, a healthcare worker must utilize a variation in commu- nication techniques—tailored to suit the needs/abilities of the client. These can aid the healthcare worker’s ability to elic- it information for proper assessment and intervention. They also have recommen- dations for communicating with the older adult who has hearing, visual, or cognitive deficiencies. Hearing and vision are both normal biological processes that decline with age and need to be accommodat- ed when assessing and intervening with the older adult to ease the information exchange. Recommendations for improving com- munication with the older adult include the following (NIA, 2017): ● Use an older client’s preference for being addressed and include their proper titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr. ● Avoid endearing terms such as honey and dear . ● Ensure comfort for them and provide adequate chairs or adjust the setting as needed. ● Choose your words wisely and clarify when confusion seems apparent; some words are used flippantly, such as depression and crazy . ● Proceed with cultural competence. ● Encourage the client to write or take notes if desired. ● Suggest that a family member or caregiver be present during interactions and be involved in tasks to provide support.
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