Castanet reported on a study from UBC’s Okanagan campus on seniors lying about their health.
The research from the school of nursing found that adults who have been discharged from the hospital after serious ailments tend to minimize or lie about risks related to their condition and its management. The motivation is to avoid being seen as vulnerable.
Kathy Rush, study co-author and professor of nursing, said conversation with health care providers is key.
“Seniors equate risk with loss and it may be more beneficial to change the conversation to focus on strengths. It may also be useful to communicate standardized instructions with the family present to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home,” Rush said.
