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Demonstrating empathy when communicating with older people

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
demonstrating empathy

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Empathy is an integral aspect of communication with older people and is central to person-centred care. As part of the provision of person-centred care, empathy supports effective communication, producing positive effects such as increased emotional well-being, increased adherence to treatment plans, reduced pain levels and improved wound healing. Empathy involves attempting to understand the other person’s perspective and feelings and communicate that understanding back to them. Empathic communication can help older people feel that they are being listened to and valued as partners in healthcare relationships.

This article focuses on why it is important to demonstrate empathy when communicating with older people and how this can be achieved. It explains the origin of the concept of empathy in nursing and provides different ways of characterising empathy. It explores barriers to empathic communication in older people nursing and identifies verbal and non-verbal communication skills that nurses can use to enhance their empathy. Finally, it explains the importance for nurses to develop self-awareness and undertake self-care to preserve their capacity to demonstrate empathy towards older people.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to acknowledge the importance of demonstrating empathy when communicating with older people

to support you to cultivate empathic communication through reflection and self-awareness

to contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Kirsten Jack

Professor of nursing education - Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, England

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
Downloaded from https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/e1378-Demonstrating-empathy-when-communicating-with.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023