Conversation as therapy for older adults in residential care: the case for intervention.

Social isolation resulting from sensory loss tends to reduce life satisfaction in older adults. Residence in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home does little to alleviate their communication needs. Potenial communication partners are available (e.g. other residents, family and friends, nursing staff, volunteers, health-care workers), but many need instruction, counselling and feedback to become therapeutically effective. The speech pathologist's experience as both communication therapist and social facilitator can enhance consultation and staff training in this area.