Miscommunications happen every day. But in an assisted living community or nursing home, good communication takes on a life-or-death importance. The right kind of long term care training for caregiving staff can help improve communications and ultimately, reduce medical errors, enhance resident quality of life, and increase satisfaction for everyone.

Staff-Resident communication Issues

Older adults often have physical and cognitive issues that impede their ability to communicate well. According to the CDC, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy indicated that 71% of adults older than age 60 had difficulty in using print materials, 80% had difficulty using documents such as forms or charts, and 68% had difficulty with interpreting numbers and doing calculations.

Cognitive challenges add another layer of complexity, particularly in an assisted living or memory care facility where residents with memory problems need more hands-on help with medication and the activities of daily living. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, about 10% of people older than 65 and 50% of those over 85 have Alzheimer’s Disease (ASHA, 2004) and the resulting cognitive decline makes conversations increasingly difficult.

Staff-Staff communications issues

As a result of a shortage of direct caregivers, which has only been exacerbated since the pandemic, staff in assisted living facilities are often trying to provide the best possibly care while juggling additional responsibilities. Having so much to do in a short amount of time can lead to frustration and irritation. And anger and tension greatly impact a person’s ability to communicate effectively.

How long term care training can help

Dr. Katharina V. Echt, a research scientist, believes that a three-pronged approach to health literacy for seniors is most effective. “Older adults can be trained to compensate for age-related declines. Providers can be trained to be effective communicators and to work with older adults’ abilities. Systems can be redesigned to provide accessible, interactive, and user-centered information.”

The best senior living staff training teaches successful communication strategies which:

  • Develop empathy to reduce frustration
  • Increase awareness of age-related hearing deficiencies and cognitive decline to improve resident care and satisfaction
  • Build team relationships that can reduce staff turnover
  • Focus on customer service skills, such as better listening and conflict management techniques, to enhance coworker relationships.

Experts in long term care training

SeniorLivingU makes training all levels of assisted living staff easy and convenient with formats for traditional classroom instruction, such as manuals and DVDs, as well as online learning through the Anytime Learning Portal. Developed by industry experts, our products cover a wide range of senior living topics from onboarding to direct care. Communications-related training packages include Caregiver Corner instant in-service downloads, Communicating with Residents with Dementia DVD, and the Next Level Administrator certificate program. To learn more, visit our FAQ page or contact us today.