The institutionalization of older adults in managed care settings such as nursing homes and hospital geriatric units is a pattern that has been common in recent decades. By 2030, statistics estimate that the number of elderly population in America will reach 71 million, an increase of over 200% from the 2000 census for this demographic group (Schiamberg et al., 2011). This figure projects a continued increase in the admission of older adults in long-term care. However, the increasing institutionalization of elderly population in the United States and elsewhere has also been linked to the decline of quality medical care and elderly abuse or neglect. These issues have manifold causes, but generally cover problems with communication. Issues and eventual breakdown of communication usually stem from stereotypical assumptions and ageist views. On the part of healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and nursing aides, such assumptions result to authoritarian approaches and lack of emphatic understanding when
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Assess the personal tendency to stereotype the elderly.
Rationale: Cognitive assumptions about older adults usually guide subsequent interactions in a negative way. Stereotypes about the cognitive decline of the elderly, for example, may cause physicians to limit information regarding the treatment plan of older adults (Harwood, 2007).
2. Avoid “elderspeak” when communicating with older adults.
R: Studies suggest that “elderspeak” is one of the most common communication styles used by healthcare providers in long-term care settings. This negative communication approach disengages the elderly during interactions as it assumes their incompetence as communication partners (Sprangers, Dijkstra, & Romijn-Luijten, 2015; Williams, Kemper, & Hummert, 2005)
3. During face-to-face communication, maintain eye contact and be conscious of other gestures that encourage or discourage effective
Assess the personal tendency to stereotype the elderly.
Rationale: Cognitive assumptions about older adults usually guide subsequent interactions in a negative way. Stereotypes about the cognitive decline of the elderly, for example, may cause physicians to limit information regarding the treatment plan of older adults (Harwood, 2007).
2. Avoid “elderspeak” when communicating with older adults.
R: Studies suggest that “elderspeak” is one of the most common communication styles used by healthcare providers in long-term care settings. This negative communication approach disengages the elderly during interactions as it assumes their incompetence as communication partners (Sprangers, Dijkstra, & Romijn-Luijten, 2015; Williams, Kemper, & Hummert, 2005)
3. During face-to-face communication, maintain eye contact and be conscious of other gestures that encourage or discourage effective