how to communicate with older patients
DESCRIPTION
Dentists deal with all different ages and types of people. Dentists treat those who are young, to those who are mentally or physically handicap, to the elderly. The last group can be particularly challenging when it comes to communication and helping your patients with understand the behaviors they need to practice to optimize their own dental health. Patients age sixty-five and older have a high likelihood that there will be barriers when communicating with them. There is a wide variety of literature throughout many health sectors about older patients. This type of literature outlines the barriers to effective communication with older adult patients. Health literacy guidelines also outline strategies for overcoming communication barriers with older patients. The literature outlines techniques to better communication between dentists and elderly patients. The techniques include preparing an agenda for the appointment, listening attentively, exhibiting warm nonverbal behavior, using simple language, presenting key points one at a time, and always providing patients with written instructions reviewing what you’ve discussed at the end of the appointment. The barriers that older patients have to overcome are physical, psychological, and literary. It is greatly important to use patience with these patients and treat them gently and with respect. Use simple language and speak slowly, but do not appear to be condescending. It is possible for practitioners to overcome communication barriers with patients by enacting communication strategies appropriate for adults.TRANSCRIPT
