Heightening our vigilance towards patient well-being

Figures & data

Table 1. Components of person-centered care in audiologic practice from a bio-psych-social perspective (From Clark and English 2019b).

Diversity recognition	A respect for differences in cultural background, beliefs, values and opinions aimed towards a recognised common ground
Therapeutic listening	A demonstrated attempt towards empathic understanding of the patient/family perspective of hearing loss impact underpinned by an unconditional positive regard and non-judgmental relationship
Information sharing	Discussion of findings in the context of expressed concerns seeking to match provided details to patient readiness
Shared decision making	Recommendations based upon research, expert opinion and the expressed experiences, needs and concerns of the patient and family; shared goal rendering encourages active participation from all parties and, as needed, negotiated compromise.
Assessed outcomes	Functional capabilities and satisfaction of delivered care assessed through measured outcomes
Holistic outlook	A continued vigil for the safety and well-being of those served both within the clinic and within the patient’s broader life context
Follow through	Timely and accessible service provision in an established on-going framework to ensure continued satisfaction and success

Table 2. Characteristics of the three stages of dementia.

Early stage: gradual onset and often not recognised

• Forgetfulness

• Losing track of time

• Becoming lost in familiar places

Middle stage: signs and symptoms are more clear and more restricting

• Forgetful of recent events and familiar people’s names

• Becoming lost at home

• Increased difficulty with communication

• Increased personal care needs

• Frequent wandering and repeated questioning

Late stage: a near total dependence and inactivity

• Unaware of time and place

• Difficulty recognising relatives and friends

• Greater need for assisted self-care

• Difficulty walking

• Behaviour changes that may escalate and include aggression

From Dementia Key Facts World Health Organisation (2019)

Table 3. Possible signs of elder abuse.

• Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two sides of the body

• Broken bones, sprains or dislocations

• Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should)

• Broken eyeglasses or frames

• Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists

• Threatening, belittling or controlling caregiver behaviour exhibited in the clinic

• Behaviour from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking or mumbling to oneself

• Unusual weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration

• Untreated physical problems

• Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather

Source: Helpguide.org

Clark, J. G., and K. M. English. 2019b. Counseling-Infused Audiologic Care. 3rd ed. Cincinnati, OH: Inkus Press/Amazon.com.

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