Description
Jeanette Mathewes Stevens
20-25 minute comedy
3 men, 7 women
The lead character, after experiencing age discrimination in her workplace and seeing how her mother is affected by ‘ElderSpeak’ at the health care facility, comes up with a plan. With the help of her Mom and other residents of Shadyview Meadows, they create a hilarious change of attitude for staff members.
ElderSpeak is an inappropriate simplified speech that may sound like baby talk, also called “Motherese” directed towards older people. Elderspeak is perceived as patronizing by older adults and speakers are perceived as less respectful. Research shows that the exaggerated rhythms and patterns of speech associated with ElderSpeak actually reduce comprehension and in persons with dementia, ElderSpeak is correlated with resistance to care.
Health care professionals and others use ElderSpeak when they identify old age cues and interpret them as a need to accommodate communication — often subconsciously — with the intention of conveying comfort and to increase comfort.
In this play, the topic is addressed with sensitivity and humor without finger pointing or judgment. Performances have been well received at retirement homes, senior centers, and conferences for health care professionals.
