Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Elderspeak What is it? Why is it harmful? November 2009

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2009Elderspeak 2 What is elderspeak?  Elderspeak is a speech pattern often used when speaking to older adults  Sometimes compared to baby talk  It can make older adults feel they are being treated like children  It is easy to slip into using elderspeak, but there is a downside

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2009Elderspeak 3 Features of elderspeak  Elderspeak can involve: –Words –Tone of voice –Body language  Usually not intentional; no harm meant

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2009Elderspeak 4 What does it sound like?  Words commonly used in elderspeak: –Honey –Dear –Sweetie  Overly familiar way of addressing the older adult –Using the resident’s first name –always ask how the resident wants to be addressed –ask the family if the resident cannot speak for himself/herself

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2009Elderspeak 5 The voice of elderspeak  Tone of voice may be: –Higher pitch –Sounds like baby talk  Speech may be unnecessarily: –Slower than normal –Louder than normal –Oversimplified

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2009Elderspeak 6 What does elderspeak look like?  Elderspeak body language can include: –Hands on hips –Annoyed look –Scolding attitude –Overly helpful –not allowing the older adult to do something he or she is capable of doing

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2009Elderspeak 7 What is the problem with elderspeak?  Most older adults don’t want to be spoken to as children  Most older adults prefer to hear honey or dear from loved ones –It’s best to avoid these terms unless you have a special relationship with the resident  Research suggests that elderspeak leads to care-resistive behavior in older adults with cognitive impairment

Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. November 2009Elderspeak 8 The bottom line  Don’t assume the resident enjoys being called dear, sweetie, or honey  Always treat residents as adults, not as children  The same is true for older adults with cognitive impairment  When in doubt, ask the resident or family how to address the resident  It’s a matter of respect!