Communication with Elders is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE) course that provides an overview of aging changes that affect communication, dysfunctional communication habits to avoid, and strategies for appropriate communication with elders.
Effective, appropriate communication with elders is important for many reasons. For speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists, communication is the foundation of service delivery. Communication is required for assessment of the person prior to treatment. Symptoms are, after all, subjective and must be reported by the person to the clinician. Effective communication also contributes to health literacy; the persons’ understanding of their condition, treatment options, and the treatment plan to be followed.
SLPs are ideally suited to facilitate communication with patients due to clinical expertise in communication. This expertise also makes them the leaders in educating other members of the interdisciplinary team on effective communication strategies with elders who have complex communication needs. This course will aid the SLP in improving communication with elders, and, in turn, improving their quality of life.
Describe three aging changes that impact communication with elders
List three strategies for communication with a person with dementia
Distinguish between effective communication and elderspeak
Name a nonverbal body language sign that differs from culture to culture
Describe the most appropriate response to an elder with suicidal ideation
Identify signs of possible elder abuse
Course Directions
This online course provides instant access to the course materials (PDF
download) and CE test. The course is text-based (reading) and the CE
test is open-book (you can print the test to mark your answers on it
while reading the course document).
Successful completion of this course involves passing an online test
(80% required, 3 chances to take) and we ask that you also complete a
brief course evaluation.
Edie Deane, MS-CCC, is a creative leader who infuses all her work with an entrepreneurial spirit. Edie’s career spans healthcare areas from hands-on service to e-business. Her portfolio of experience includes: leadership, strategic and business development as online education company Care2Learn’s founder/owner; operations, administration, and education/training in national rehabilitation companies; and development of an e-learning department in a prominent healthcare software company. Edie currently owns ED Consulting & Coaching, focused on services for the LTPAC ecosystem.
Disclosure
: Financial: No relevant financial relationships exist. Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.
Laura More, MSW, LCSW, is a healthcare author and licensed clinical social worker. Laura was one of the founding partners of Care2Learn, a provider of online continuing education courses for the post-acute healthcare industry. She now provides healthcare authoring services. She has authored over 120 online continuing education titles, co-authored evidence-based care assessment area resources and a book, The Licensed Practical Nurse in Long-term Care Field Guide. She is the recipient of the 2010 Education Award from the American College of Health Care Administrators.
Disclosure
Financial: Laura More receives author compensation from Professional Development Resources. Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
CE Information
Speech Language Pathology
Introductory Level | 0.2 ASHA CEUs | ASHA credit is available until 01/31/2026. ASHA CEUs are awarded by the ASHA CE Registry upon receipt of the monthly completion report from the ASHA Approved CE Provider (#AAUM5169). Please note that the date that appears on ASHA transcripts is the last day of the month in which the course was completed.
Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion).
ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
Customer Testimonials
L.G. (SLP)
Very appropriate for LIFE!
J.C. (SLP)
Very practical course for SLP's treating in SNF or home environment
S.K. (SLP)
This course was very well presented and covered all the important elements of communicating with the elderly.
D.R. (SLP)
Very timely and relevant, especially in Florida with the hospital populations. Confirmed things I knew, but helpful in learning new strategies that are helpful with this population.
J.W. (SLP)
Another important and informative course! Thanks PDR for being my "go to" company for CEUs!
More Testimonials
H.C. (SLP)
I adored this course on a professional and personal level. Thank you!
K.I. (SLP)
Thank you for using such clear concise writing and presentation. I really gained a lot from taking this course as it was kept simple and to the point, which helps my retention tremendously.
C.B. (SLP)
This course definitely opened my eyes to this aspect of communicaation and how important it is in working with elders.
D.O. (SLP)
I found the strategies and sensitivity stressed in the course beneficial.
O.T. (SLP)
I think that the course content is relevant and useful for the SLP practice at SNF. I received important information regarding expectations and perceptions that affect communication with elders. Thank you for this course.
V.R. (SLP)
The course has motivated me to learn more about PAINAD and communication strategies for persons with degenerative disorders such as Parkinson's.
