Ask staff to make sure patients have a comfortable seat in the waiting room and help with filling out forms if necessary. Be aware that older patients may need to be escorted to and from exam rooms, offices, and the waiting area. Staff should check on them often if they have to wait long in the exam room.
Take a Few Moments to Establish Rapport
Introduce yourself clearly. Show from the start that you accept the patient and want to hear his or her concerns. If you are a consultant in a hospital setting, remember to explain your role or refresh the patient’s memory of it.
In the exam room, greet everyone and apologize for any delays. With new patients, try a few comments to promote rapport: “Are you from this area?”
or “Do you have family nearby?” With established patients, friendly questions about their families or activities can relieve stress.
understanding older patients
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