Treating residents/patients like idiots

[Mirai Kangofu]

While I was doing CNA clinicals, I've found that so many people talk to elderly people like they're idiots. I'm talking about the people who use excruciatingly s-l-o-w, simple speech in a loud tone while speaking about 6 inches from their faces, even if they're not hard of hearing or demented, and repeating themselves and asking "O-o-o-kay?" every 5 seconds. I certainly wouldn't like being talked to like that. It reminds me of when insensitive people are talking to foreigners by talking very loudly and slowly while pantomining, even if the foreigner can speak the language. It also irritates me when people feign absolute surprise and adoration when talking to children, making ostentatious gasps and extolling for the simplest things. I talk to all patients respectfully and clearly, only resorting to slow speech at a high volume when it's clear that they can't understand me. Has anyone else witnessed such behavior?

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Or refering to them as "sweetie" or "honey".

I figure it this way, unless the resident says it's ok to do that, then don't do it.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

The brains of the very elderly process what people are saying much slower. So, while they may not be hard of hearing, you really do have to speak a little slower and wait a little longer for a response in order to give their brains time to catch up. That is a known scientific fact.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

.............only resorting to slow speech at a high volume when it's clear that they can't understand me. Has anyone else witnessed such behavior?

Since you were on clinicals and obviously don't know all the patients there, you should give the staff there the benefit of the doubt, that they are doing this too. They work with the patients every day and maybe the know the patient to be hard of hearing and need to talk slower to them.

Some people do automatically raise their voice to another level when talking to the elderly and that isn't right.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Or refering to them as "sweetie" or "honey".

I figure it this way, unless the resident says it's ok to do that, then don't do it.

I'm guilty of that. (Except I say "hon" and "sweetness")

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

Some people do automatically raise their voice to another level when talking to the elderly and that isn't right

Well, when I have one hard of hearing patient i've been raising my voice at, sometimes I find myself in the next room raising my voice, too, elderly or not, just because i had gotten used to talking so loudly, lol.

I've had one 94 year old the other day, you had to lean over her and yell to get her to hear you! She was very sweet, though.

[LoriAlabamaRN]

I'm guilty of that. (Except I say "hon" and "sweetness")

I'm guilty of it as well... "sweetheart" "honey" "handsome" ... but its only with the residents that I know well, and they call me the same. It's a tough habit to break!

[HappyJaxRN]

I have to admit, I'm guilty also of calling a pt "hon." But that's about the extent of it. I will say, I raise my voice sometimes as well, until I know I don't have to. I imagine that is kind of annoying. I have been told hears ago by someone, 'why are you talking so loud? I'm not deaf ya know.' Oh well, live and learn.:rotfl:

[KatieBell]

And there are regional differences as well. Here in the south, I am called Honey by random people on a regular basis- for example, the bank teller, my Charge RN, and one recent waitress. Honey, sugar and such are in common usage, so they often get used for patients as well, but in areas where a bank teller would not say- there's your money honey...it probably is a no-no...

I do admit though, it is difficult for people to remember that these people were/are productive citizens- some with really interesting lives. When I did clinical at a very ritzy nursing home, the staff life specialist had done up these posters in each room- they described the patients former occupation, family, and many had photos of them as younger selves, doing activites they enjoyed. It was great to see these, and reallyt sparked some talk, helped me to see many patients with alzheimers and constant repetitive behavior and speech as a "real person"

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Or refering to them as "sweetie" or "honey".

I figure it this way, unless the resident says it's ok to do that, then don't do it.

Do that all the time here. But then we "KNOW" our patients, see them 3x/wk and they are truly more like "family". And they love it, and refer to us the same way.

I wouldn't do so with a new patient, however. Not until that "bond" is established.

Although, in this area, it is quite common, even with patients you see for the first time. The locals here expect it and it's not offensive to them in the least.

But we treat them with respect and dignity nonetheless.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

And there are regional differences as well. Here in the south, I am called Honey by random people on a regular basis- for example, the bank teller, my Charge RN, and one recent waitress. Honey, sugar and such are in common usage, so they often get used for patients as well, but in areas where a bank teller would not say- there's your money honey...it probably is a no-no...

I do admit though, it is difficult for people to remember that these people were/are productive citizens- some with really interesting lives. When I did clinical at a very ritzy nursing home, the staff life specialist had done up these posters in each room- they described the patients former occupation, family, and many had photos of them as younger selves, doing activites they enjoyed. It was great to see these, and reallyt sparked some talk, helped me to see many patients with alzheimers and constant repetitive behavior and speech as a "real person"

Respect and affection are not mutually exclusive. You probably come from a more formal part of the country, and if your wishes were to be addressed as "Ms. So-and-So" that could be done.

But those who don't object--or who even encourage--more familiar types of address should also be respected.

Just try to imagine having lived close to a century of a hard life, and now living in a nursing home. Independence is gone; basic decisions such as when to go to bed, what to wear, and what to eat are suddenly made for you.

There are no relatives visit because they're all gone, no spouse to hug and share affection with, no one who knows you well enough to treat you like family--except the nursing home staff.

I'd probably die from loneliness, from starving for a warm human touch. Worse, I've seen it happen.

So when I'm old, PLEASE DO call me "honey." PLEASE give me a warm hug from time to time. It doesn't indicate disrespect, nor does it mean that I'm an "idiot." It means that I'm a human being with emotional needs, just like everyone else.

[MarySunshine]

I call patients "sweetheart." I'm live in a more southern state. I certainly don't mean it condescendingly and I don't think my patients take it that way (I would certainly change my ways if I thought someone was offended). It's said in kindness.

I have noticed that since many old people need you to talk louder and slower than normal, sometimes people who work around old people just make a habit out of it and talk that way to all old people. I'm sure it has annoyed some of them. I agree that you should always speak with someone in a normal tone until you see that they can't hear or understand you. I agree with Tweety though...the staff may very well know the patients and speak with them according to their needs.

I think the poster w/pictures and information about people in their younger years is a very good idea!