Factors Influencing Communication for Older Adults in Residential and Community Aged Care: A Scoping Review

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First published online 25 May 2025

Why this study was done

Older adults often experience changes in communication as they age due to conditions such as dementia, hearing loss, stroke, and cognitive decline. Communication is essential for wellbeing, independence, and quality of care in aged care settings.

However, communication difficulties are not caused by a single factor. They can result from a combination of health conditions, personal factors, and environmental influences. This study was done to better understand how these factors interact and affect communication for older people in residential and community aged care.

What the study did

The researchers conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2003 and 2023.

  • They searched multiple databases (including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO)
  • They included 75 studies
  • They used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to organise findings
  • They analysed how health conditions, impairments, personal factors, and environmental factors influence communication in aged care settings

What the study found

The review found that communication in aged care is influenced by multiple interacting factors, including:

  • Health conditions: such as dementia, stroke, and neurological conditions
  • Impairments: including hearing loss, speech difficulties, and cognitive decline
  • Personal factors: language, culture, gender, and individual communication styles
  • Environmental factors: relationships, staffing, care practices, and use of technology

The study highlighted that:

  • Communication difficulties are usually multifactorial (not caused by one issue alone)
  • Language, culture, and relationships can both support and hinder communication
  • Most research focuses on residential aged care, with fewer studies in community care settings

What this means

The findings show that older adults in aged care often have complex communication needs that require more than medical treatment alone.

Effective communication depends on:

  • Health status
  • Staff training and support
  • Social relationships
  • Inclusive and supportive environments

Improving communication in aged care requires addressing both clinical and environmental factors together.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Asmita Manchha, Ms Bridget Burton, Dr. Samantha Siyambalapitiya, Dr. Joanne Wood, Dr. Louise Hickson, Professor Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh, Dr. Michelle King, and Associate Professor Sarah Wallace.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity, and approved by the author.

First published online 25 May 2025

Why this study was done

Older adults often experience changes in communication as they age due to conditions such as dementia, hearing loss, stroke, and cognitive decline. Communication is essential for wellbeing, independence, and quality of care in aged care settings.

However, communication difficulties are not caused by a single factor. They can result from a combination of health conditions, personal factors, and environmental influences. This study was done to better understand how these factors interact and affect communication for older people in residential and community aged care.

What the study did

The researchers conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2003 and 2023.

  • They searched multiple databases (including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO)
  • They included 75 studies
  • They used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to organise findings
  • They analysed how health conditions, impairments, personal factors, and environmental factors influence communication in aged care settings

What the study found

The review found that communication in aged care is influenced by multiple interacting factors, including:

  • Health conditions: such as dementia, stroke, and neurological conditions
  • Impairments: including hearing loss, speech difficulties, and cognitive decline
  • Personal factors: language, culture, gender, and individual communication styles
  • Environmental factors: relationships, staffing, care practices, and use of technology

The study highlighted that:

  • Communication difficulties are usually multifactorial (not caused by one issue alone)
  • Language, culture, and relationships can both support and hinder communication
  • Most research focuses on residential aged care, with fewer studies in community care settings

What this means

The findings show that older adults in aged care often have complex communication needs that require more than medical treatment alone.

Effective communication depends on:

  • Health status
  • Staff training and support
  • Social relationships
  • Inclusive and supportive environments

Improving communication in aged care requires addressing both clinical and environmental factors together.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Asmita Manchha, Ms Bridget Burton, Dr. Samantha Siyambalapitiya, Dr. Joanne Wood, Dr. Louise Hickson, Professor Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh, Dr. Michelle King, and Associate Professor Sarah Wallace.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity, and approved by the author.