nurse and elderly patient

The normal aging process commonly includes some degree of impairment in vision and hearing. Older people may also suffer varying degrees of cognitive impairment.

Alone or in combination, these problems contribute to difficulties in communication between patients and care providers.

Serious illness, accidents, or trauma such as surgery that require hospitalization add another layer of anxiety and possible confusion that can further interfere with communication between patients and care providers, potentially leading to errors.


info iconConsider those most at risk.