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Healthcare Providers

Find out if the patient has difficulty:

  • speaking
  • understanding what people are saying
  • hearing
  • thinking of words they want to say
  • keeping up with fast conversations
  • remembering things
  • understanding english if it not their first language
  • reading and writing

Does the patient use or need:

  • glasses
  • hearing aid
  • large print documents
  • a communication method other than speech
  • someone to assist them communicating
  • help with reading and understanding documents
  • help with completing forms

If the patient uses a communication method other than speech:

  • do they use pen and paper, boogie board, a picture or alphabet board, a communication device
  • do they have it with them at all times
  • can they access it from bed
  • If the patient does not have an effective way to communicate, refer to Speech-Language Pathologist.

Does the patient need:

  • Personal attendant services to assist with positioning, meals, personal hygiene
  • Someone to assist with communication
  • Someone to assist with decision making

If the patient requires a person to assist them communicating:

  • find out who the patient has authorized to provide this assistance.  Do assume it is a family member or support person.
  • refer to Speech-Language Pathologist if the person requires communication assistance.

If the patient requires a person to assist with decision making:

  • find out who the patient has authorized to provide this assistance.  Do assume it is a family member or support person.
  • Observe person assisting with decision-making and they consult with patient and that patient is the decision maker and is not coerced into decision.

If the patient has difficulty understanding what others are saying:

  • Slow your speaking rate slightly.
  • Pause between phrases and give one idea at a time.
  • Use shorter sentences.
  • Show the patient what you are talking about. Use gestures, pictures, diagrams, models, write down key words.
  • Ask patient if they understand and if they want you to explain more.
  • Ask the patient’s assistant (if they have one) to explain what you are saying in ways the person understands.  Watch and listen to make sure the assistant does this correctly.

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