Building Rapport with Elderly

It is important to establish a good rapport with all of your patients/clients.  In this post I will discuss ways to build a good rapport with the elderly.  It is important to help them feel that you genuinely care about them.

The most important step to doing that is to GENUINELY CARE.  I know that sounds simple but people (esp. adults) can tell when you are being genuine and when you are being fake.

Don't treat them like children.  They have lived a long life and could likely teach you a thing or two.

Ask about their lives.  Ask about pictures in the room, where they have lived, their family (of origin and that they raised), occupations, hobbies, etc.

When/if you hit a sensitive topic express genuine concern and quickly change the topic.

Look for common interests.

Tell them about you.  Don't get carried away with this but let them know you are human.  Let them connect with you as more than just a teacher/student relationship.

Greet them before you jump into therapy.

Be sure to focus exclusively on them while you are with them.  Don't get distracted by other people, phone calls, turn off the TV, etc.  This is their time!  If you NEED to be available for a phone call explain that you may be interrupted but that you will make it as brief as possible.

Remember what you talked about during the last session and bring some of those things up again.  For example, if they had an appointment coming up at your last appt.  ask how it went.

Remember be real with them.  I have learned a lot from the geriatric patients I have worked with and have truly enjoyed being with them.  Be in the moment and you will be able to build some real relationships of trust and caring.