I took a class a long while back called “Power Communication for Women”.  It was an interesting class that talked about body language, taking up space at a table to establish power, keeping yourself over the eye level of others when speaking and other interesting and effective strategies.  I recognize that if these approaches work in business then there must be similar strategies for working with my patients, most of whom are elderly.  These are the things I have found to be most consistent.

1.  It is important to establish a respect for the patient’s home space.  This is done by calling and being prompt for appointments, avoiding “just walking in the house” without an invitation, acknowledging the pets and the part they play in the patient’s life, consideration for cleaning shoes when going in the home and leaving items where they were placed prior to your intervention.

2.  It is best to introduce yourself by getting down to the floor in front of them.  It is preferable of course to not sit on the floor as you may carry germs/ contaminants from home to home but getting to a lower level improves the patient’s ability to see your face.  Many of the elderly have a hard time hearing and seeing your lips helps them to comprehend what you are saying.  Saying things louder does not always improve comprehension.

3.  Respect the patient’s right to privacy but ask if they wish for you to speak with a family member or friend about their condition.

4.  Follow through with the things you say you are going to do.

5.  Explain why you are doing the exercises you are doing.  People are more likely to follow through if they understand the reason for the instruction.

6.  Avoid “disappearing” from their lives without a call or note.  There are times when a patient leaves care because they go to the hospital or they stop the services.  A note to them will give closure and leave things in a good light.  You will be welcomed back in the future if you left in good standing.

7.  Show the patient that you are washing your hands and cleaning the equipment.  Patients appreciate that you are working to protect them from germs coming from other people’s homes.

8.  Leave with grace.  Many people have poor vision.  Putting things back “exactly” where you find them, will show a sensitivity to this.  Always leave assistive devices in reach.  Offer to turn their tv back on or reset the volume.

9.  If you know they love a certain show on tv, try to avoid that time for your visit.