Communication in Aged Care

Communication encompasses both verbal and non-verbal forms (which includes written, gestures, body language, demonstration and sign language).

In the aged care context, consider:

How to address patient/client – what is considered respectful by your patient/client.If unsure it is best to approach with the patients/clients full title until instructed otherwise by the patient/client.e.g. Mr Jones
Use of non-verbal communication including body language and facial expressions
Communication interference – does the patient/client require a hearing aid? Do they have difficulty hearing? Are they visually impaired?
Confidentiality and how to gain consent for a patient/client with dementia
Working with a patient/client when there is a barrier to communication e.g. Medical Condition (e.g. dementia, stroke), cultural background (is English their first language?), personality, generation

Resources:

Information about Communicating with a Patient/Client with Dementia (MESSAGE) is contained within the resources section of the Aged Care Target Area.
Resources for communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing:

Tasmanian Government - Department of Health - communicating with people who are deaf or rely on sign language
Tasmanian Government - Department of Health - communicating with people who hearing impaired
Expressions Australia provide a suite of information sheets that provide useful information when communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Please also refer to the Communication section of this website for general information about communication.

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