Communication with different age group -

1. Communication with different age group -

2. Preschool or school age child • Relatively short attention span • Simple words and direct statements are more effective than abstracts. • Speak softly and gently , with confidence • Use of toys will promote relaxation • Encourage expression of feelings • Playful attitude is helpful with young child in the expression of emotions

3. Preadolescent and Adolescent • They appreciate an adult like approach • Focus on the child rather than parents • Collect assessment date from them first, than parents • Observe nonverbal behavior that increases anxiety, embarrassment • Give direct information in health teaching

4. Parents • Acknowledge their ability to carry out necessary care measures • Determine how the parent feels about the child’s health problems • Convey that it is normal to feel angry at the child • Speak in a simple way to the mother an in a professional, adult manner to the father.

5. Communicating with the client with communication difficulties • Gather data from clients with sensory impairments • Develop rapport and trusting relationship • Introduce yourself and the purpose • Use appropriate nonverbal behavior to convey ideas

6. Communication with hearing impaired • Be sure the person’s hearing aid is in place, turned on, and in working order • Always speak in a good light, face the person and light as you speak • Do not have objects in or covering your mouth • Never take advantage of the disability by carrying on a private conversation in his/ her presence in low tones that cannot be heard. • Speak distinctly but naturally, shouting does not clarify speech sounds and mouthing or exaggerating your words, or speaking too slowly, makes you harder to understand.

7. Avoid excessive environmental noise • Do not start to speak to a hard of hearing person abruptly • Attract attention first by facing him/her and looking straight into the person’s eyes • If the person has hearing impairement of one ear, stand at the opposite side and speak • Remember that an affectionate or amused tone of voice may be lost on a hard of hearing person • If a person has difficulty hearing, occasionally jot down the key words on a paper

8. If you do not understand the person, ask him to repeat rather than ignoring him

9. Communication with visually impaired • Use normal tone of voice • Accept the normal things which a blind person might do • When you offer assistance do directly . Ask “may I be of help”. Speak in a normal friendly tone • Advise the person when you are leaving the room • there is no need to avoid the use of the word “see” when talking to a blind person • Never leave the person with out a way to secure help • A half open door, low stools or loose cords or rugs arer dangerous to visually impaired

10. Be sure to tell who else is present in the environment • Encourage use of a magnifying glass if it is helpful • Read mail to the person and assist him • Describe the environment, people and events surrounding him to enrich his experience and understanding