Communication and Interpersonal Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real Senior Care practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Communication and Interpersonal Skills flashcards as text
A resident refuses assistance with bathing. The care aide should FIRST:
Answer: Explore the resident's preference and reason for refusal, then respect their right to refuse
Exploring the reason and honoring the right to refuse respects resident autonomy while ensuring the aide gathers information needed for documentation and care planning.
Which strategy is MOST helpful when communicating with a resident who has a vision impairment?
Answer: Announce yourself by name upon entering the room and speak clearly
Announcing yourself prevents startling the resident and allows them to orient to your presence through verbal cues.
During a care task, a resident shares information about suicidal thoughts. The care aide should:
Answer: Listen without dismissing the statement and immediately report it to the supervisor
Any expression of suicidal thoughts must be reported immediately to a supervisor; confidentiality does not override duty to protect safety.
A caregiver consistently uses 'sweetie' and 'honey' when addressing residents. This practice is:
Answer: Considered elderspeak and may undermine resident dignity
Using pet names without consent is a form of elderspeak that can feel patronizing and reduce the resident's sense of respect and identity.
The SBAR communication framework is used in senior care primarily to:
Answer: Provide structured handoff information during care transitions
SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) provides a structured, consistent format for communicating critical information during shift handoffs and when contacting clinical staff.
A resident's family asks a caregiver directly about the resident's diagnosis. The caregiver should:
Answer: Explain that medical information must come from the nurse or physician and direct them accordingly
Sharing medical diagnoses is outside the care aide's scope; directing the family to the appropriate clinical staff protects the resident's privacy and maintains professional boundaries.
Which approach BEST supports effective communication with a resident experiencing depression?
Answer: Be present, acknowledge feelings without judgment, and use gentle open-ended questions
Nonjudgmental presence and open-ended questions encourage the depressed resident to express themselves and feel heard, which is foundational to supportive care.