WGU study guide for care of the older adult OA
Questions & Answers Latest Update 100%
Correct.
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication -
✔✔✔Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
ways to communicate or assist patient with disabilities such as hearing
deficits, vision impairments, or aphasia and dysarthria. - ✔✔✔Hearing
deficits -
Do not shout. Project voice from diaphragm (deepens voice).
Make use of other unimpaired senses. (examples - 1)use touch or by using a
visual cue and wait for patient to visually orient to you before speaking,
2)stand in front of person in a well-lit room (helps the patient lip read), 3)
speak to side that has better hearing, 4) make sure hearing aid is in and
turned on, 5) use gestures or objects for communication.
Limit background noise.
Allow adequate time for response.
Use short sentences and speak clearly
May need to write or use a pictogram grid
Vision impairments -
Position yourself within their vision field.
Give verbal indication of the actions you are about to do (avoid startling or
scaring them).
Label objects or simplify what is in their visual field.
WGU
1
,Aphasia/Dysarthria (speech impairments) -
May be more anxious or self aware.
Limit distractions
Face patient and maintain eye contact
May need to use multiple forms of communication (body language, written or
pictorial information)
Use short uncomplicated sentences with simple choices.
Summarize message for accuracy.
Take time and do not correct every error and respect the elder's limitations.
Be patient!!
Communication with a delirious elder - ✔✔✔Keep discussions simple and
questions concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
Well lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Communication with dementia - ✔✔✔Make sure the person is attending to
you prior to beginning the conversation.
Face the person
Speak slowly and clearly.
Eye level
Reduce or limit background noise.
Break tasks into small manageable steps and provide simple and clear
WGU
directions ( one step at a time may be needed )
2
, Praise efforts.
Use concrete terms and familiar words.
Offer simple choices.
Allow adequate time to respond.
Do not argue or attempt to reason with someone regarding delusions or
hallucinations.
Encourage discussion of life events, traditions, memories.
Use large print calendards
Label items
Establish a familiar environment
Hearing aids are one of the most common and economical devices used by a
person with hearing deficits. Consider the types that would best suit the
older adult - ✔✔✔BTE (Behind the ear) - worn behind the outer ear. Has an
adjustable volume and is battery powered. IT IS THE MOST COMMON.
Suitable for the entire range of hearing loss.
OTE (over the ear) - very small and sits on top of the outer ear.
ITE (in the ear) - custom fitted, adjustable volume and battery powered.
Much smaller and some may have difficulty using. Used for mild to moderate
hearing loss.
ITC (in the canal) - tiny that fit in the ear canal and barely visible. Customized
fit. May be too small for some to use.
CIC (completely in canal) - smallest type. Difficulty handling and positioning
the device. Most expensive.
WGU
3
Questions & Answers Latest Update 100%
Correct.
Age related changes which may affect therapeutic communication -
✔✔✔Visual acuity
Hearing loss
Speech and language difficulties
ways to communicate or assist patient with disabilities such as hearing
deficits, vision impairments, or aphasia and dysarthria. - ✔✔✔Hearing
deficits -
Do not shout. Project voice from diaphragm (deepens voice).
Make use of other unimpaired senses. (examples - 1)use touch or by using a
visual cue and wait for patient to visually orient to you before speaking,
2)stand in front of person in a well-lit room (helps the patient lip read), 3)
speak to side that has better hearing, 4) make sure hearing aid is in and
turned on, 5) use gestures or objects for communication.
Limit background noise.
Allow adequate time for response.
Use short sentences and speak clearly
May need to write or use a pictogram grid
Vision impairments -
Position yourself within their vision field.
Give verbal indication of the actions you are about to do (avoid startling or
scaring them).
Label objects or simplify what is in their visual field.
WGU
1
,Aphasia/Dysarthria (speech impairments) -
May be more anxious or self aware.
Limit distractions
Face patient and maintain eye contact
May need to use multiple forms of communication (body language, written or
pictorial information)
Use short uncomplicated sentences with simple choices.
Summarize message for accuracy.
Take time and do not correct every error and respect the elder's limitations.
Be patient!!
Communication with a delirious elder - ✔✔✔Keep discussions simple and
questions concise.
Use large print calendars and clocks to assist with orientation.
Pictures of family may assist in reorienting.
Well lit room.
Offer frequent reassurance.
Avoid physical restraints
Use distraction and soothing conversation.
Communication with dementia - ✔✔✔Make sure the person is attending to
you prior to beginning the conversation.
Face the person
Speak slowly and clearly.
Eye level
Reduce or limit background noise.
Break tasks into small manageable steps and provide simple and clear
WGU
directions ( one step at a time may be needed )
2
, Praise efforts.
Use concrete terms and familiar words.
Offer simple choices.
Allow adequate time to respond.
Do not argue or attempt to reason with someone regarding delusions or
hallucinations.
Encourage discussion of life events, traditions, memories.
Use large print calendards
Label items
Establish a familiar environment
Hearing aids are one of the most common and economical devices used by a
person with hearing deficits. Consider the types that would best suit the
older adult - ✔✔✔BTE (Behind the ear) - worn behind the outer ear. Has an
adjustable volume and is battery powered. IT IS THE MOST COMMON.
Suitable for the entire range of hearing loss.
OTE (over the ear) - very small and sits on top of the outer ear.
ITE (in the ear) - custom fitted, adjustable volume and battery powered.
Much smaller and some may have difficulty using. Used for mild to moderate
hearing loss.
ITC (in the canal) - tiny that fit in the ear canal and barely visible. Customized
fit. May be too small for some to use.
CIC (completely in canal) - smallest type. Difficulty handling and positioning
the device. Most expensive.
WGU
3
