Question

.An elderly couple, of Mexican heritage, is discussing their care needs at a skilled nursing facility. As the team members discuss the couple’s needs they notice the couple is not making or maintaining eye contact and that they are always looking down. One of the team members asks the couple if there is something wrong or if they are not understanding all that is being discussed. Why might this couple not be initiating or maintaining eye contact? How might you have handled this situation differently?

Answer 1

- There may be an emotional distubance due to stress and anxiety .

- May be they have some hearing loss problems , and may be they have impaired intellect or memory.

- They may be psychologically upset due to age and other health issues.

Inorder to handle this situation the nurse have to follow some points;

- We have to speak clearly and loudly to the elderly people.

- Repeat yourself

- Provide caregiver stress relief.

- By addressing emotional concerns and worries.

- By offering councelling and support the situation can be handled.

- Making sure things are going well .

- Providing crisis intervention.

- By assessing individual's care and support needs.

- Before giving an important information ,get thier attention by speaking their name and reducing background noise if any.