Using American Sign Language with Seniors

It’s All about Clear Communication!

Imagine being Joe, 78 years old, profoundly hard of hearing, and hungry for breakfast. Try as he may, Joe can't hear the server in the dining room. He knows she's shouting and still can't make out the exact words. Joe becomes embarrassed and leaves the dining room without breakfast.  If Joe and his caregiver had known a few simple signs, Joe could have communicated his desire for eggs and coffee and the server could provide breakfast without needing to raise her voice.

Then there's Mary, who has just been diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s disease. She hired an in-home care worker, but they are having difficulty communicating as Mary’s words are failing her.  The worker teaches Mary and her children some simple signs to ease their communication. Mary is thrilled as she can express her needs to her children and caregivers without feeling embarrassed or frustrated. 

Many organizations are starting to embrace the benefits of using American Sign Language (ASL) in their facilities and senior programs.  ASL has been referred to as the great “communication equalizer” when used to supplement and/or facilitate communication. Caregivers and seniors can reap the benefits of using ASL signs without needing to learn the entire language. It isn't necessary to use all of the signs to communicate a sentence.  In fact, a strategically placed sign for “eat/food,” or “toilet” while speaking the word can clear up so many miscommunications. ASL is easily taught to seniors and staff alike and easily integrated into everyday care. Since ASL relies on gestures rather than words, ASL aids communication when our hearing and our words fail us.   

Healthy seniors are also interested in learning ASL, as it provides a new and challenging activity that stimulates the brain. Since ASL uses both hemispheres of the brain, it is a wonderful addition to any brain fitness program.

Integrating simple ASL signs into elder care facilities, senior programs, and homes is very easy and of growing interest. Ms. Jen Mallett will facilitate a “Signing for Seniors” workshop as part of the 23rd Annual Alzheimer’s Regional Conference on April 3rd at the Washington State Convention Center. She is the owner and operator of the Sign-by-Sign Program in Bellingham, Washington. In her “Signing for Seniors” Pre-Conference Workshop, she will discuss the advantages of integrating signs into elder care, discuss how to teach ASL to seniors, and then provide several activities and tools that can be immediately applied. After attending, professionals and caregivers can start their own “Signing for Seniors” activity programs and/or incorporate signs into everyday care. Click here to register.