Communication

This is a great time to be working in the field of geriatrics, so much is going on in terms of research and available aids for senior citizens. I read about available grants for caregivers to allow them financial aid to return to school so they can get better paying jobs.

When developing a care plan for an individual remember to look into their native language. I spoke with an individual recently that earlier in her life spoke English and Spanish, however, now she pretty much speaks Spanish. Over half of the caregivers speak Spanish, for those who do not, to have available common phrases the individual would recognize and understand would be helpful. The effort put forth would pay double dividends, the resident would feel grateful and the caregivers would feel they were valued that their employer put forth the effort to improve communication so they could do a better job.