Elderly Persons

In dealing with an aged or geriatric client, you must be especially sensitive to several potential needs. You must also remember to try to demonstrate your sensitivity in a way that will not appear to be condescending to the person. In dealing with older clients, you may find some of the following techniques very useful: . Carefully identify yourself to avoid confusion.

When first addressing the person, use his or her title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, or rank) and last name. (You can use the first name later, if the client requests.) . Do not assume senility or lack of understanding. 

. Watch for signs of a hearing deficiency; speak directly if you need to be heard, but do not shout. 

l Allow extra time for responses.

l Ask the person what will make him or her comfortable. . Maintain eye contact. l Avoid stereotyping.

Advanced age is only one of many special circumstances you may have to consider. Other conditions about which you must be aware are physical and mental handicaps.

Blind Persons

In dealing with a blind person, you should first determine whether he or she has a hearing impairment. You must do this without shouting or whispering. Maintain contact by lightly resting your hand on the person's forearm. Explain approaches and maneuvers in detail before you do them. Identify the source of any _{strange noises.} Most of all, be considerate, compassionate, and supportive.

Deaf Persons

In dealing with a person whom you know or assume to be deaf, first get the person's attention before you speak. You can do this by gently tapping the person on the shoulder or waving your hand where it can be seen. You must maintain eye contact. You must be especially courteous. Try to determine if the person can read lips, Even then, be aware that the person will probably understand only 30 to 40 percent of the conversation. You must realize that lipreading will be more difficult for the person if you have a foreign accent or wear a mustache. Face the person while you are speaking, then speak slowly and clearly. Even if you determine that the person cannot read lips, speak as you gesture or use signs. If possible, get an interpreter who can communicate in sign language. Try pantomiming and using broad gestures. Figure 2-1 illustrates some common signs you can use to communicate with deaf clients. Do not shout; if the person has partial hearing and is wearing a hearing aid, you could distort his or her hearing. Finally, use written messages. If the person has been deaf since birth, he or she may not understand some grammatical combinations; therefore, keep it simple.

Non-English Speaking Persons

Eventually, you will find yourself in the position of having to communicate with a person who does not speak English. Regardless of the person's native language, try communicating in English first. Show the person your ID card with your picture to establish your identity. If possiblc, use an interpreter or try to find a common language. If you speak a language other than English, try using it. Use gestures and signs. Speak slowly and clearly in English; the person will probably know some words and phrases. Most importantly, do not shout.

Confused or Developmentally Disabled Persons

In speaking with people who are especially confused or who have some kind of developmental disability, such as mental retardation, you should begin by determining the person's level of understanding. You can do this by asking questions. Speak at an appropriate level and wait for a delayed response when it is the person's turn to answer or respond. Have patience. Be discrete if the person's condition should be the reason for the visit or event. Use the word disability instead of

a potentially offensive word to describe the person's condition. Speak as you would to any adult, even if it is necessary to reexplain something. You must speak

Figure 2-1.-Communicating with a deaf person.

slowly, distinctly, and then listen carefully. Above all, a caring concern.

Victims of Stress and Burnout

No one is immune to the symptoms of stress or burnout. Be aware of these symptoms. Remember, not even you, the RP, will be immune to these situations. Stress may cause even you to experience a wide range of feelings, some of which can be quite unpleasant. A person suffering from stress or extreme burnout may exhibit feelings and characteristics such as irritation, anxiety, becoming defensive at implications, or sadness in response to tragedy or even normal events. Although these feelings are natural, you must work at understanding and recognizing them in yourself, your co-workers, and the clients who enter the RMF. Helping others to remain poised and calm is part of your show beneficial role as an RP.

STRESS.- First you must realize that emotions and reactions are normal. As an RP, you will be dealing not only with the client's emotions but also your own responses to stressful situations. In coping with stressful situations, each of us can learn to respond in an effective way. Try the following techniques in handling stress:

• Develop a buddy system with a co-worker. Keep an eye on each other and suggest when breaks are advisable.

• Encourage and support your co-worker by making positive remarks and avoiding the temptation to criticize.

• Periodically take a break to get some exercise.

• If you can, eat frequently but in small amounts.

• Use humor to break the tension and provide relief.

• Use relaxation techniques like taking a deep breath, holding it, and then blowing the breath out forcefully.

• Use positive self-talk.

• When you find your effectiveness diminishing, take a break.

• Seek professional help, particularly after handling a life-threatening occurrence, or when you feel you are losing control and cannot cope.

Whether you are dealing with a co-worker, a client, or yourself, you are responsible for recognizing symptoms of stress and taking care of them properly just as you would for any other health- or life-threatening condition.