There are many home health care aides that are ready to care for the elderly. Sometimes, we forget about the kind of communication our loved ones receive. Often, we begin to lose sight in what matters. Health aides are there to not only care for the patient but to give them a sense of normalcy, in their day-to-day activities. But it is rather difficult to do if the health aide and the patient cannot communicate.
but they will never forget how you made them feel.
– Carl W. Buechner
For the most part, home health care agencies offer periodic training to ensure the patient receives the best care possible. Believe it or not, language and culture play a great part in the treatment plan. According to Robert Preidt from ABC News, about 1 in 15 people speak/understand little to no English. It is important to take account of patients whose first language is not English. Some of these patients do not have someone who can advocate on their behalf.
Impact of Language in Care
The impact of language profoundly affects the kind of care the patient receives. The patient’s emotional well-being might be affected, and it is important to care for that need as well. Moreover, non-English speakers are less likely to receive informed consent prior to procedures. This is because, patients can not address their questions and concerns to its entirety.
Family members are asked to serve as an interpreter for their loved one. This kind of interpretation will hinder the patient from receiving the care they need. Misinformation will prevent them from receiving the quality care that an English speaker receives. Family members can feel their loved one’s frustration, which impacts the patients’ well-being.
Home Health Care Professional
The quote by Carl W. Buechner is so important when working with patients because, a home health care professional wears multiple hats. The role of a home health care is about helping the patient complete day to day activities but to serve as a companion. In a 2007 study, about 49.1% of non-English patients were involved in physical harm due to the lack of proper communication.
Home health care professionals can better perform their work when patients, doctors and family members are able to effectively communicate in the English and the patient’s native language. The patient’s overall well-being will positively impact the way their health.
It is important to find the best quality of care. At E&S Home Care Solution we take pride on the kind of service and care that we give to patients and their family members. To learn more, call us for a FREE consultation.