Different Perspectives: Connecting with Seniors from the Waiting Room and Beyond
/Different Perspectives: Connecting with Seniors from the Waiting Room and Beyond
Most healthcare providers, especially doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and all kinds of therapists, genuinely want patients to feel welcome when they enter the office. Yet it’s easy to overlook important that creates unease, or add a sense of burden for patients with hearing or/and vision loss. For many seniors, up to 50% who have some level of hearing/vision loss even a simple appointment can feel stressful, confusing, or isolating.
Due to communication barriers and surprises from a lack of knowing what others can easily grasp, past healthcare experiences haven’t always felt safe or supportive. Things like missing information on signs, or not knowing “the rules” of any given waiting room, can start things off poorly. In addition, they often rely on transportation systems that are not always timely in spite of best efforts of the patient.
Improve Your Patients Experience
A powerful first step is asking questions:
Check in with your patients about what’s difficult for them in your office?
You might be surprised at how small adjustments can make a big difference.
Seniors with hearing and/or vision loss often carry concerns they don’t always voice directly. You might hear things like:
“I didn’t know there was a sign”
“It’s really scary to go to a medical appointment and not know where the bathroom is.”
“Being late is not my fault.”
“I worry that I might not be able to complete the check-in process and feel incompetent.”
“I don’t know if I’m standing or sitting in the right place.”
When a patient expresses discomfort, or even just seems withdrawn, lean in with curiosity. A simple tell me more…They usually can suggest a simple solution. And will appreciate the interest as caring.
If we don’t ask, patients may assume we’re not interested or don’t want to help.
Practical Ways to Improve the Experience
1. Move closer, don’t shout or call from across the room.
Yelling can come across as frustration and often doesn’t improve communication due to the loss of consonant sounds such as s, t, d.
2. Identify yourself coming and going.
Always say your name and role when approaching a patient.
3. Give clear, concrete directions
Instead of vague gestures, or the inevitable “over there” ( whihc is really is nowhere if you can’t see”. Better choice:
“If you walk forward toward 1 o’clock for about five feet, there’s a row of empty chairs. Please wait there, and I’ll come get you.”
4. Orient them to the space
Let patients know what’s around them:
Bathroom location
Wi-Fi information
Signs that convey office policies (like phone use)
5. Support for paper forms and signatures. ( note that electronic can be more accessible, however some are not.)
“Would a signature guide or help with placing your pen be useful?”
(And always explain what they’re signing.) Never ever ask whomever brought them to “help”. This may be a complete stranger, driver or someone who has no right to personal information. There are many low cost or free ways to turn forms into audio, large print, or electronic formats that are not complicated.
6. Tell them what you are able to do, then ask if they help. Accept it if they say they can do it themselves, even if it doesn’t seem possible to you.
Creating a More Inclusive Experience
When we slow down, ask questions, and communicate clearly, we create a healthcare environment where patients feel respected, not like a burden.
Continuing the Mission of Access and Understanding
Adaptability for Life’s cultural competence - ethics continuing education courses provide engaging and practical skills in supporting their clients with vision and/or hearing loss.
Approvals & Accreditations:
OHA - Oregon Health Authority - Cultural Competence CE
NASW-OR National Association of Social Workers - Oregon Cultural Competence CE
CRCC - Commission on Rehabilitation Counselors Certification - Ethics CE
Approved by the California Nursing Board, Provider CEP#18080 for 6 contact hours of geriatric-related continuing education for Nurse Practitioners
Who these courses are helpful for:
Doctors, Nurses, Acupuncturists, Psychologist, LCSW, LFMT, PT, OT, SLP, ND, NP, PA, MD, DDS, LPC, Chiropractor, License Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Dentist, Dental Technologist, Dietitian, Emergency Medical Service Provider, Home Care Worker, Lactation Consultant, Long Term Care Administrator, Massage Therapist, Medical Imager, Midwife, Naturopathic Doctor, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Polysomnographic Technologist/Respiratory Therapist, Social Workers, Caregivers and Families.
For those seeking to enhance their skills in communicating with those who have vision or/and hearing loss, consider enrolling.
2-Hour Cultural Competence CE: Effective Communication with Clients Who Are Hard of Hearing
4-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Understanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness, Impacts & Solutions
6-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Providing Culturally Competent Healthcare for Those Aging with Dual Sensory Impairments
Each course blends over 25 years of experience in rehabilitation counseling and disability services with lived insight and real-world examples. You’ll walk away with tools that help prevent social isolation, improve connection and communication, and foster hope—even in the face of progressive sensory loss.
What You’ll Gain
Strategies to prevent social isolation and despair
Tools to support clients experiencing progressive loss
Skills to improve communication and connection
Easy, low- or no-cost accessibility techniques
Real-world examples you can apply immediately
About the Instructor
Deb Marinos, MS, CRC, LPC, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor, and CMBM Mind-Body Skills Group Facilitator. She brings decades of teaching experience with health care professionals and others working with individuals navigating sensory loss and disability. Her courses are designed to be interactive and helpful, and will help you gain skills valuable to your work.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to strengthen your skills, deepen your empathy, and make your practice more inclusive—join Deb and Olaf on this journey.
👉 Explore the Cultural Competence & Ethics accredited continuing education courses and sign up today at Adaptability for Life
Adaptability for Life LLC
21887 SW Sherwood Blvd. STE C
Sherwood, OR 97140
deb@adaptabilityforlife.com