Ageism is an ugly reality in the U.S. healthcare system.  Today we’re talking about how you can identify ageism in how you talk to and care for your patients.  Healthcare providers often speak to older patients as if they were children, or incapable of understanding details about treatments or diagnoses.  Speaking in a way that is patronizing or condescending to your patients is offensive.  Find ways to speak to patients that are respectful, and don’t ignore them if there’s a third person in the room.  Patients and their families deserve the very best healthcare professionals have to give.  Treatment without bias is important and is the right of every patient.  Jerry and Helen offer some tips to identify your own bias, and how to eliminate ageism from your practice.  Today’s sponsor is Vital Decisions, the company working to ensure that the care of individuals with advanced illness aligns with their values and preferences.  Find their online, free program My Living Voice at https://vitaldecisions.net/solutions/my-living-voice/.  You’ll find resources about the rights of seriously ill patients who enter hospice care at theheartofhospice.com.  We care about your hospice journey.  Write to us at [email protected] with your questions, and we’ll send you a personal response. No matter who you are, or where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.