[Experiences of voluntary visitors with nonverbal communication in interaction with confused elderly patients in...

20 confused elderly in nursing homes (average age 82), who were socially isolated and dependent of nursing care resulting from dementia and institutional factors, were visited by students of social work and student nurses of the elderly. The voluntary visitors were trained in client-centered therapy, reality orientation, non-verbal communication, sensory training, reinforcing daily functions and occupational therapy. The experiences with verbal and non-verbal communication (visual and hearing contact and touching) and with difficulties with the confused elderly, with feelings and the environmental factors are described. The visiting results in better understanding of the confused elderly and in increasing of supporting relationship. Confusion was ameliorated only in some confused elderly. Recommendations are given for voluntary visitors.