Communication

The National Council on Aging (NCOA)’s article “Your Mental Health This Holiday and Beyond: 4 Steps to Combat Loneliness in Seniors” notes that loneliness among older adults can be difficult during the holidays, especially for individuals who live alone. The U.S. Census estimates that as many as 27% of adults age 65 and older lived alone in 2020; however, a person may experience loneliness even if they live with other people. Loneliness can affect anyone who doesn’t feel meaningful connections with others. NCOA’s article shares four tips for staying connected with loved ones during this holiday season, including prioritizing communication, facilitating social activities through local organizations...

On November 16, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a new Language Access Plan, which includes critical actions to improve access to HHS programs and services for people with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency. With provisions that specifically address the effective communication and accessibility requirements found in sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the HHS Language Access Plan is the latest in a series of important actions taken by ACL and our partners across federal government over the last several years to uphold the rights of people with disabilities.

The University of Kansas is seeking nursing homes to participate in an NIH-funded study testing an online version of the evidence-based Changing Talk (CHAT) communication training program. The CHAT program uses a person-centered approach to educate direct-care staff on better communication strategies with residents with dementia, which can reduce resistiveness to care and behavioral symptoms. This free online training can qualify for CMS dementia care training hour requirements.

The University of Kansas School of Nursing is seeking nursing homes to participate in an NIH-funded research study testing a new online version of the evidence-based Changing Talk (CHAT) communication training program. CHAT educates staff about reducing elderspeak (infantilizing communication) and results in reduced behavioral symptoms and need for psychotropic medication for residents with dementia. The new online version (Changing Talk: Online Training (CHATO)) consists of 3, one-hour interactive online modules that provide flexible and accessible access for staff.

Providing telephone reassurance and check-in calls is one key strategy that is being widely used across the country. Programs are engaging volunteers and pulling in staff to meet the need for an increase in such check-in calls. Recognizing that certain conversation skills can help to build trust and deepen engagement, ADvancing States partnered with Emergency Design Collective to create a Conversation Tips Toolkit designed to support reassurance and check-in programs.