Module 11 - Communication with different generations

Why is it important to involve the parent of the child and adolescent

They can interpret their child’s behaviours/communication best for you

Can explain things best to the child

Can comfort the child best for you (Need to balance this with stressed parent who may increase child’s anxiety)

Need them there for consent if required for any procedures

Less likely to feel empowered and less stressed while their child is in your care

What are the principles for communicating with children

Empathy

Validate their perceptions

Allow time for therapeutic relationship to develop

Monitor language level

Touch

Get down to child’s level physically

Smile

Know name in advance

Reassure and praise when its due

Phase instructions as helping

Ask about things child may be interested in

What are some considerations when talking with children

They do not get abstract ideas

Children (even adolescents) can not predict or understand serious consequences

May confuse real and imaginary, so check understanding

Use clear/jargon free language

Diagrams for young children

What are principles on how to effectively communicate with an adolescent

Be self aware of your own beliefs and values

Understand and be sensitive

Demonstrate unconditional positive regard

Ethical boundaries

Accomodate cultural differences

Confront inappropriate self talk, values or beliefs

What are appropriate strategies for when talking to adolescents

Establish a safe environment both physically and emotionally

Use holistic approach to communication and care

See the person and not the behaviour

Set boundaries

Non verbal communication

Clearly state expectations of behaviour

How to communicate with older adults

Avoid elder speak

Address by name, show respect

Listen and respond on topic

Reflect on and validate feelings

Working with the person towards their aims

What the impacts of elder speak

Feel like they are being talked down to

Respond by withdrawing

Increased depression

Decreased self esteem

Enact the negative stereotype and become dependant on the nurse

What are some communication strategies for when talking to the cognitively impaired

Approach from the front

Use persons name

Eye level

Do not rush or slow rate of speech

Speak clearly

Pause to allow time to process and respond

Expect to wait 5-10 seconds

Note taking, especially if related to important health information

Reduce background noise

Instructions with 1 to 2 steps

Communication strategies for hearing or vision impaired persons

Initiate conversation/gain attention by using persons name

Be in the same room

Look at the person

If they have better hearing in one ear compared to other, talk to that ear

Use gestures to aid in communication

Ensure aids are on and clean (hearing, glasses)

Large font

Reduce background noise