Non‐verbal communication of nursing home residents and care staff

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionPeople living with dementia (PlwD) in nursing homes (NH) have complex needs with impairments in cognition, communication, and daily function. Complex needs may arise with impairments in communication and difficulty in expressing needs. PlwD often experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) with poor quality of life (QoL), which can be impacted by impairments in non‐verbal communication (NVC). NVC plays a key role in improving communication and engagement with PlwD. This study examines current NVC practices in NH between PlwD and care staff.Methods225 NH from the Care Home Research Network, King’s College London were invited to take part on an online anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire included 13 questions on NVC and NH demographics. Care staff provided information on communication cues used between residents and staff during instrumental care and social activities. The use of NVC was rated on a Likert scale.ResultsThirty‐two NH completed the questionnaire, with 56% having 40‐90 beds. 9% of staff reported the use of verbal communication, 25% reported using combined verbal and NVC, whilst majority reported using NVC to communicate with residents (66%). The most observed NVC in residents was facial expressions (71.9%), followed by eye expression (53.1%) and touch (50%). Other NVC included the use of pitch, hand gestures and head nods (37%). Staff NVC cues included facial expressions (81.3%), eye contact (81.3%), hand gestures (75%), pitch of voice and head nods, (both, 66%). Furthermore, 34% of the staff used body language to assist residents with NPS, whilst 28% used touch. During social activities, facial expressions were used very often (78.1%) by residents, followed by head nods, touch and hand gestures (46%). Whilst receiving care, facial expressions were reported very often (68.8%). Other common cues involved touch (50%) and eye contact (41%).ConclusionNH residents and staff use a broad range of NVC channels to interact with one another and was the most reportedly used strategy. Developing interventions to improve communication between staff and PlwD should prioritize NVC, given its extensive use. Improving NVC would facilitate care staff to address needs better, reduce NPS and improve QoL.