Language plays a critical role in caring for older adults.
Let’s talk about elderspeak.
Last week, we discussed how we talk about our clients and our industry. How we describe, as a group, the people we help. Seniors? Elders? Geriatrics? Guess what — we’re on to something. Recently, no less than The New York Times ran a fascinating story on language, as it relates to engaging with and caring for older adults on an individual level.
If you didn’t see the piece, here are some highlights:
Elderspeak. You know it when you hear it. So do older adults.
Communications to adults that sounds like baby talk. That’s how Clarissa Shaw, a dementia care researcher at the University of Iowa College of Nursing described Elderspeak.
Here are several all-too-familiar examples:
- Inappropriate terms of endearment, meant to soften controlling communications, like honey, dearie or sweetie.
- The use of plural pronouns, for example, Are we ready to take our bath?
- Using a loud voice, short sentences, speaking super-slow or in a sing-song voice more appropriate for preschoolers.
- The use of so-called tag questions — It’s time to eat lunch now, right? — where an individual is not allowed to answer for themselves.
Though often well-meaning, this type of communication “…arises from an ageist assumption of frailty, incompetence and dependence,” added Dr. Shaw.
Uncomfortable? Most older adults are, too.
Cringing? Us, too. Experience has taught AgePros how to communicate respectfully with the people we work with.
Still, according to Kristine Williams, a nurse gerontologist at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, and research colleague of Dr. Shaw, when it comes to Elderspeak, “People don’t realize the negative messages that come through.”
Be sure, the elderly get the message. And their negative reaction to Elderspeak can manifest itself as something called resistance to care. For example:
- Turning away, crying or saying no.
- Clenched mouths when being fed.
- Pushing or even striking caregivers.
A common problem.
Research in nursing homes reveals that 84% of the interactions between residents with dementia and staff involved some form of Elderspeak. Yes. 84%.
Fortunately, one solution is as easy having a CHAT.
CHAT. It stands for Changing Talk.
Developed by Dr.’s Shaw and Williams, CHAT is in-person or online training designed to reduce Elderspeak.
While the efficacy of CHAT is still under review, early results are promising:
- Incidences of Elderspeak dropped from 36% to 20% of interactions before and after training in nursing homes.
- Simultaneously, resistance to care behaviors declined by 16%.
The best way to eliminate Elderspeak? Speak up.
Older adults and their loved ones are often reluctant to object to Elderspeak. Some even fear retaliation by caregivers.
Shaw, Williams and common sense tell us voicing these concerns need not be adversarial. A calm conversation about how you or a loved one prefers to be spoken to is all it takes. (Keep in mind, in many cultures, what we call Elderspeak is an expected sign of affection and caring.)
And who better to call-attention to Elderspeak, as well as help older adults and loved ones do the same, than you? Professional. Knowledgeable. Practiced at dealing with the emotional expectations of a variety of individuals, AgePros are uniquely equipped to ensure that eldercare speaks a language rich with respect, satisfaction and success.
