ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION In addition to addressing on a manifest level the particular content issues that are brought up by families with older adults (e.g., stopping driving, dangerous or noxious behaviors related to dementia, alcohol or other substance abuse, psychiatric problems, nursing care), clinicians also communicate to their clients on a latent level. Specifi cally, these are underlying messages about regard for the client, sensitivity to client needs, etc., that are communicated latently. These messages are communicated through such items as how the waiting room is organized, how the consultation room is designed, how information is communicated to clients, how clients are allowed to respond, and so on. It is the issue of latent communication on which this chapter is focused.