During an intake interview of an elderly client, you can improve communication by

During an intake interview of an elderly client, you can improve communication by

• A. Speaking loudly and using many gestures.
• B. Restating terms or phrases in different ways if the client indicates they do not understand.
• C. Interviewing the client with family present to verify responses to questions.
• D. Quickly interview the client because they will need time to rest after the exhausting interview.

Answer: (B)

Clear, patient-centered communication with an elderly client relies on confirming understanding by restating terms or phrases in different words when they indicate they don’t understand. Paraphrasing helps bridge gaps caused by hearing loss, slower processing, memory changes, or unfamiliar vocabulary. It shows you’re listening and gives the client an easy way to correct misunderstandings, ensuring the information gathered is accurate. Speaking loudly and using many gestures can be either ineffective or distracting, and may come across as patronizing. Having family present can raise confidentiality issues and may influence responses, making it harder to obtain the person’s own account. Interviewing too quickly deprives the client of time to process and respond, reducing clarity and accuracy. Restating in different words directly addresses comprehension while maintaining respect and autonomy.

Clear, patient-centered communication with an elderly client relies on confirming understanding by restating terms or phrases in different words when they indicate they don’t understand. Paraphrasing helps bridge gaps caused by hearing loss, slower processing, memory changes, or unfamiliar vocabulary. It shows you’re listening and gives the client an easy way to correct misunderstandings, ensuring the information gathered is accurate.

Speaking loudly and using many gestures can be either ineffective or distracting, and may come across as patronizing. Having family present can raise confidentiality issues and may influence responses, making it harder to obtain the person’s own account. Interviewing too quickly deprives the client of time to process and respond, reducing clarity and accuracy. Restating in different words directly addresses comprehension while maintaining respect and autonomy.