Understanding Elderspeak from the Perspective of Certified Nursing Assistants.
Elderspeak is a form of patronizing speech that is often used with older adults. The current study attempted to learn more about the conditions under which elderspeak is used as well as the intent behind using elderspeak. The sample comprised 26 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working with older adults in long-term care facilities. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Findings indicated that the intended purposes of elderspeak were to (a) make residents feel more comfortable, (b) make caregivers seem friendlier, (c) help residents better comprehend verbal communication, and (d) increase the likelihood that residents would cooperate during caregiving tasks. In addition, one half of the CNAs reported that elderspeak is more appropriate with individuals with dementia; many also believed that the use of elderspeak was always inappropriate. The current findings may have implications for improving training and education programs for CNAs and other professionals working in long-term care facilities.
Tracy M
TM
Grimme
Jeffrey
J
Buchanan
Shelby
S
Afflerbach
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009740:Nursing Staff; D014705:Verbal Behavior; D055815:Young Adult