Week 7 Flashcards
What is palliative care?
The steps taken to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illness
What is dementia?
A term used to describe the symptoms associated with hundreds of different - all of which are characterised by declines in mental ability, memory, thinking, problem solving, concentration, cognition and perception
What are the three barriers of effective communicating with people with dementia?
Patient barriers - the patients health status and physical ability
Institutional barriers - eg. poor staff-patient ratios, workplace policies
Environmental barriers - can find unfamiliar environments challenging
Communication tips for effective communication with people with dementia…
- approach the patient from the front
- make sure you face the patient when speaking to him or her
- give the person some cues - a touch on the arm/handm, use the persons name at the start of a conversation
- ensure the environment is quiet and free from distractions
- use simple language and speak slowly
- use short and simple sentences
- speak to them as adults - do not speak as if they are not there
- give them time to process the information and respond
- let them complete their thoughts, to struggle with words
- avoid being to quick to guess what the person is trying to express
- repeat sentences using a steady voice
- encourage them to write down the word they are trying to express and read it aloud
- maybe helpful to use pictorial drawings - can fill in answers such as “I need …”
- use appropriate facial expressions
- do not correct if they make a mistake
- do not pressure them to respond
- encourage them to use any mode of communication that they feel comfortable with
- use touch to aid concentration, establish another avenue of communication, offer reassurance and encouragement
- avoid contradicting and arguing
- try to include someone they are close with - with the conversation
What are diverse populations?
Race, sexual orientation, faith/religion/spiritual practices, age, education background, gender, income, military experience, national/regional or other geographical areas of origin, rural/urban/semi-urban area of residence, physical and mental ability, social class, employment and work experience
What is diversity competency?
The ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to individuals, families and communities of all diverse backgrounds in a manner that protects and preserves their dignity and recognizes, affirms and values their differences, similarities and worth
What is the power of language?
- language is not neutral
- reflects the values and knowledge of the people using it
- can reinforce both negative and positive perceptions about other people
- powerful role in contributing to and in eliminating discrimination
- discriminatory language can be hurtful, demeaning and offensive
What is exclusive language?
Harmful because it can inhibit or prevents people from reaching their full potential
What is inclusive language?
Acknowledges, in a positive and constructive way, that people have different cultural and religious norms, experiences and values.
Does not demean, insult, exclude, stereotype, or trivialise people based on differences.
Avoids terminology that may be offensive or portray any group in a stereotypical way (including positive stereotyping)
- NOT about being politically correct - but a way of improving our communication
Inclusive language can also be called
Non-discriminatory language
- avoids false assumptions about people and helps to promote a therapeutic relationship
What is inclusive language useful for?
- not offend
- open communication lines
- improve client / professional rapport
- improve therapeutic outcomes
- abide by institutional policy and the law
We can not always go by face value when it comes to communication, we need to have ..
Awareness
What are some reactions to people with depression?
- Disregard - through difficulty understanding the professional may view symptoms as able to be controlled, unacceptable or embellished
- Inadequacy - the professional can feel inadequate if strategies are not helpful in making a quick impact on the depression
- Frustration - when clinical strategies unsuccessful and the person continues to feel hopeless and helpless
- Hopelessness - professional feels unable to help - becomes convinced by the persons beliefs that nothing can be done to help them
Why do healthcare professionals have negative reactions to people with depression?
Lack of knowledge about depression or if they have unrealistically high expectations of their capacity to help
Depression - healthcare goals?
- develop a relationship with the person based on empathy and trust
- promote a persons sense of positive self-regard
- promote effective coping and problem solving skills in a way that is empowering to the person
