Medical assistants are essential to the healthcare field, as they perform a wide range of clinical and administrative duties for patients of all ages. However, working with the elderly or those in the aging population can sometimes present common medical assistant challenges, from dealing with difficult patients to grieving a loss. Here, Prism Career Institute, which offers a Medical Assistant program in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, offers four tips for working with elderly patients during your medical assistant career.
Practice Patience
Being patient is essential when working as a medical assistant, especially when tending to elderly people. These patients typically move slower and may need extra time to get to exam rooms, with some requiring an escort to different areas. Staff should be prepared to provide physical assistance to elderly patients with moving, changing clothes, or getting on an examination table. It’s important to be patient with elderly patients as they take their time settling into the office and explaining their concerns. This way, they will feel respected and that they have been heard.
Be Clear and Concise
Older patients may have more problems communicating their concerns and understanding new concepts. Medical assistants must provide clear and concise information to these patients in a way they can understand. If you tend to speak quickly, you should try to slow down and speak clearly with your elderly patients, especially if you have an accent that is different from what your patients are used to hearing. This allows them time to process what you’re saying and better grasp it.
Explain the Reasoning behind Procedures
Medical assistants working with the elderly should always explain diagnoses and procedures in simple terms with common language. You should never assume a patient knows certain medical information or terminology. Elderly patients may not know what newer procedures or diagnoses are, or some words may have different connotations to them than they do to you. They may not be as comfortable hopping on Google to research information, either, so they’ll depend on you for clear explanations of diagnoses and procedures.
Make sure you explain what you’re doing and what will happen in the near future clearly and simply to ensure your elderly patients understand everything. This will help to relax your patient and create a better healthcare experience for them.
Demonstrate Active Listening
Medical assistants need to listen clearly to their patients whether they are elderly or not, but it can be especially imperative when communicating with older patients to ensure a smooth and efficient visit. Follow these steps to demonstrate active listening:
- Face the patient
- Maintain eye contact
- Avoid interruptions
- Avoid distractions
- Use verbal affirmations
- Ask questions
Displaying these behaviors shows your patient that your focus is on them and improves communication, as well as their overall experience.
Learn More About Our Medical Assistant Program
If you’re interested in working with the elderly as a medical assistant, follow our tips and consider applying to the Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute. This program is offered at our Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ campuses and helps prepare you with both in-class instruction and hands-on training. For more information about our medical assistant program, contact Prism Career Institute today.