Recognize the
importance of
nonverbal
communication.
Speak with clients in
a quiet setting.
Listen carefully and
don’t say, “Huh?”
Note taking is taboo;
use a conversational
approach.
Take a calm rather
than hurried
approach. Slow down
when talking to an
elder, especially
during initial
encounters and when
explanations of
treatments/
medications/ health
care decisions are
being given.
Assess literacy level
before engaging in
lengthy discussion.
Adult, same gender
interpreters are
preferred.
Questions should be
adapted to age and
acculturation level.
Discussions should
be framed to convey
the message of
caring and not idle
curiosity about the
culture or cultural
practices.
Be careful about
providing negative
information because
it may give reality to
negative conditions.
Get permission
before touching and
physical examination.
Take care to keep
the body covered.