Document Type
Capstone
Abstract
This research focuses on the certified nursing assistant (CNA) population within the skilled nursing setting and their related understanding and use of intergenerational communication, specifically elderspeak. Principles of Occupational Therapy (OT) were integrated into an educational module that provided alternative forms of communication to foster a change in the interdisciplinary relationship between OT professionals and nursing paraprofessionals and to improve the experience of geriatric patients during their stay at a skilled rehabilitation facility. A twenty-minute in-service was implemented to educate CNAs on elderspeak and incorporate new communication techniques. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to assess the baseline knowledge and beliefs of the CNA participants, as well as to assess change in the knowledge and beliefs after the in-service was conducted. The findings of this research indicate that providing staff with alternative forms of communication may reduce the use of elderspeak and provide positive change related to staff and patient outcomes.
Publication Date
2019
Recommended Citation
Fisher, Shanna M., "Elder Communication in the Skilled Rehabilitation Setting: An Occupation-based Alternative" (2019). MOT Student Capstones. 140.
https://riches.cabarruscollege.edu/mot-student-capstones/140
