TIPS FOR WORKING WITH SENIOR PATIENTS
Geriatric care requires attention to unique needs
All patients deserve the same caring respect. However, we must consider and adapt our approach based on patients’ unique needs. Geriatric, or senior, patients are no exception. Here are some tips for offering older patients the best possible care:
Speak slowly and clearly
Speaking slowly versus quickly, helps patients process information. Use simple words and sentences while avoiding unnecessary medical terminology or jargon. Ask questions to ensure understanding. Also take into consideration any hearing impairments.
Make eye contact
Although a caregiver or family member may accompany senior patients, respect each patient’s right to autonomy.
Make eye contact and talk to the patient directly, unless they cannot understand you.
Make extra time
This can mean allowing extra time for patients to respond to questions or fill out paperwork. Senior patients may have vision or hearing problems, and cognition naturally declines as people age. Be patient and helpful.
Avoid ageism and assumptions
Do not to assume a patient cannot perform activities, such as driving or basic self-care. Meanwhile, avoid assumptions that an older patient has age-related health problems. Instead, proactively ask about the patient’s health condition, abilities and experiences. Subsequently adapt your inquiries about falls, balance issues, pain and hearing and vision challenges.
Understand different care goals
Seek to understand the goals your patient has for their care.
Respect their right to be an active participant and make choices about their care. A course of treatment you think is in their best interest may not be what they want or choose to follow at this stage of their lives.
Create a welcoming environment
Hospitals can be highly disorienting for anyone. For people of advanced age, unfamiliar surroundings can be confusing and trigger delirium. Senior inpatients may benefit from displaying family photos by the bedside to help orient and comfort them.
Encourage patients to wear their glasses, hearing aids or other assistive devices that help them feel settled and capable.
Make small changes
Make gradual, small changes with your senior patients, giving them time to adjust while in your care. Clearly explain treatment steps, give them information and time to prepare and avoid sudden surprises in their care. Clearly explain take-home information and instructions before they leave.
HOW WE ADAPT OUR COMMUNICATION AND CARE FOR EACH PATIENT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THEIR EXPERIENCE. THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM A LETTER UF HEALTH PHYSICIANS RECEIVED BY THE DAUGHTER OF A SENIOR PATIENT.
“My mother started seeing the team at UF Health Senior Care at Springhill a little over a year ago and we have both been very impressed. Doctors take their time and treat her with patience and respect. She feels a part of the conversation (when in the past so many ignored her and spoke only to me). They take her concerns seriously and have always referred her out to specialists, if need be, and followed up promptly.”
