You have learned in this chapter that communication has not been successful until the cycle is complete. Consider the following scenario. An 82-year-old woman with moderate dementia and a hearing...

You have learned in this chapter that communication has not been successful until the cycle is complete. Consider the following scenario.

An 82-year-old woman with moderate dementia and a hearing impairment is brought to the surgeon’s office for a follow-up appointment after hip replacement surgery. The woman’s daughter accompanies her. The goal of the appointment is to make certain the hip is healing nicely and to discuss precautions before the patient returns to her assisted-living apartment. Almost immediately, the conversation is directed toward the daughter because it is so much easier to explain to her what should be done.

1. What might the staff do to help the patient understand the following?

• Use the walker consistently.

• Shoes must be leather tennis shoe type or uniform style; consider Velcro closure as opposed to laces that have to be tied.

• Do not wear pantyhose.

• You will not be able to walk your dog on a leash.

2. Should the patient be left out of the conversation? Should the daughter be included?

3. In cases such as these, is something other than verbal communication indicated?