22 Questions
What should you do to get the attention of a person with a hearing impairment?
Touch the person gently, wave, or use another physical sign
Why is it important to face the person directly when speaking to them?
So they can see your lips and facial expressions
What should you avoid doing while speaking to someone with a hearing impairment?
Avoid chewing, eating, or smoking
Why is it important to involve the person in making decisions?
So they can be involved in making decisions that affect their life
What should you do when using an interpreter?
Face the person being interpreted for
How should you communicate with a person with a hearing impairment in an emergency situation?
Use a light or visual alert
What is an important consideration when entering an older patient's space?
Asking permission to sit or move the furniture
What is the ideal seating position when communicating with a patient?
Seated 3–6 feet apart with chairs positioned for eye-to-eye contact
What is essential for good communication with older adults?
Learning to listen actively
What should you do when communicating with a patient who uses a wheelchair?
Pull up a chair and position yourself at equal height
What should you consider when communicating with patients with impaired vision?
Repositioning the chair to be within their field of vision
Why might you use an interpreter when communicating with an older adult?
To communicate with patients who have a different primary language
What is an important aspect of verbal communication strategies with older adults?
Using language and terminology familiar to the patient
What is an important consideration when assisting individuals with hearing impairments?
Facing the patient directly and speaking clearly
What is the primary purpose of minimizing distractions in the environment for individuals with dysarthria?
To improve understanding
How can you best communicate with an individual who uses an AAC device?
Store the device in an accessible location
What is the recommended tone of voice to use when communicating with an individual with dysarthria?
Normal tone
Why is it essential to establish yes/no reliability with individuals who are non-verbal?
To develop a communication system
When communicating with an individual with a visual impairment, what is the recommended way to enter the room?
Gently call out and identify yourself
What is the purpose of describing the environment to an individual with a visual impairment?
To provide spatial awareness
How can you show respect when communicating with an individual with dysarthria?
By allowing them to speak slowly and use simple sentences
What is an essential aspect of cultural sensitivity when communicating with individuals with dysarthria?
Inviting and respecting their communication
Study Notes
Communicating with Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
General Principles
- Use a TDD phone or relay service to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Use an interpreter for conversations regarding healthcare decision-making.
- Respect individuals by involving them in decision-making and providing time for responses.
Environment
- Ensure assistive devices, such as notepads and pens, are within reach.
- Ensure emergency alarms have visual alerts.
- Face the individual directly when speaking, ideally 3-6 feet apart.
Communication Strategies
- Use written notes to maximize understanding.
- Avoid chewing, eating, or smoking while speaking.
- Face the individual, not the interpreter, when communicating.
Communicating with Older Adults
- Position chairs to allow for eye-to-eye contact, 3-6 feet apart.
- For individuals with impaired vision, reposition the chair within their field of vision.
- Use language and terminology familiar to the patient.
- Consider using an interpreter if necessary.
Communicating with Individuals with Dysarthria
- Remember that speech impairment is not related to intelligence.
- Use age-appropriate language.
- Make a note in the medical record if the individual uses an AAC device.
Environment for Individuals with Dysarthria
- Create a quiet environment with minimal distractions.
- Face the individual for facial cues and gestures.
Understanding Individuals with Dysarthria
- Speak in a normal tone, as the individual can hear you.
- Encourage the person to speak slowly and use simple sentences or single words.
Communicating with Individuals with Visual Impairments
- Gently call out to the individual when entering the room and identify yourself.
- Stand where the individual can see you, if possible.
- Minimize distractions and describe the environment and your actions.
Communicating with Individuals who are Non-Verbal
- Establish a system for yes/no communication, such as a picture board or eye blink.
- Ask yes/no questions and allow time for the person to respond.
- Confirm responses before acting.
Learn about effective communication strategies when interacting with older adults, including respectful gestures and positioning techniques.
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