Be approachable and friendly and find some common connection. I am also referred to as the chocolate angel in my department. I buy Lindor chocolates every week and for those that can have a piece it makes them smile ear to ear. Be concerned and listen to them. Sometimes they just want someone to listen to them and talk to them like a regular human being not a patient. Best wishes!
Have empathy - be kind
Remember that you are probably dealing with a person who is ill, stressed, perhaps alone in these times of Covid. Be pleasant and nonjudgmental. Do small things that show you care. Allow them to talk and ask questions. I have always had patients who said they told me things they had never told anyone else. Older people have years of lived experience which can be valuable to share. I have always preferred older adults as patients. Also, keep in mind they could be depressed. Do screening for depression.
Ask about family. Ask them where they grew up. Be interested in where there life has taken them. Anyway that’s what I do and it almost always helps
I just keep talking like I normally would and a lot of the time they will quiet down and talk to me normally
Some will always be grumpy that is their personality, respect their space an within time they might just open up.
Find something that you may have in common
