Document effective communication strategies and accommodations

Face patient, make eye contact, talk clearly at a normal pace

Flag chart records

Incorporate visual aids

Know available sign language interpreter agencies

Use the Teach-Back method

http://www.hearingloss.org/content/living-hearing-loss

http://www.nchealthliteracy.org/toolkit/tool5.pdf

https://www.rid.org/acct-app/index.cfm?action=search.ISA

Arrange a social work consultation; identify potential roommates with similar language needs (e.g., other users of American Sign Language)

Encourage engagement of family members and friends

Encourage ongoing patient involvement in local organizations for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing

Incorporate communication technology such as videophones, Skype, Tango, and FaceTime

http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss_resources/

http://www.hearingloss.org/content/technology

Ask about activities of daily living

Ensure hearing amplification is used by the patient, if it is an option

Use a sign language interpreter if the patient uses American Sign Language or Signing Exact English

Use written Mini-Mental State Examination with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are literate in English

Discuss health care proxies, advance directives, and long-term placement wishes at nonurgent appointments

Encourage health care proxy to be present at medical appointments

Provide listing of skilled nursing or long-term care facilities with special focus on patients who are deaf or hard of hearing

http://www.nad.org/senior-resources

http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/6/aroadmapforhospitalsfinalversion727.pdf