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Sometimes the adults we need to talk to have cognitive impairments. What specific guidance can be provided to professionals who need to interview these adults?

Welcome to the Help Desk for North Carolina adult protection multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). The purpose of the Help Desk is to create a space where all members of the adult protection community can access information and direct questions related to establishing and maintaining strong MDTs. We know that across the state MDTs are in various stages of development. Some counties have fully functioning MDTs. Some counties want to re-invigorate their efforts and some counties haven’t gotten off the ground yet with your team. The Help Desk is here for all of you – every community, and everyone who participates in the MDT.

We want you to contact us when you are facing challenges. You may want ideas about how to strengthen your team. Or perhaps you need coaching on taking your first steps in forming an MDT. Some of you may need help managing dynamics among your team members or maybe you need to access specific legal expertise in managing a current case. The Help Desk is here to support you in all of these situations. Simply reach out via email or phone to connect with us.

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Below you will find a compilation of frequently asked questions we’ve received at the Help Desk, organized by subject matter.

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Adult Protective Services
Civil Legal Interventions
Confidentiality
Criminal Investigation and Prosecution
Financial Institutions
Guardianship
Multidisciplinary Teams
Powers of Attorney
Supports and Services
Other
Posted on
Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 12:50 pm
Authored by
kpreston@sog.unc.edu

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Interviewing adults with cognitive impairment can be intimidating.  When faced with this challenge, it can be helpful to remember the following: 

  • Cognitive impairment does not always prevent an older adult from sharing information about an event or situation;
  • Ask short, open-ended questions, focusing on one thing at a time;
  • Don’t interrupt the older adult.  Allow time for him or her to fully answer the question;
  • Speak slowly and clearly, but not in a condescending manner;
  • Maintain eye contact;
  • Never correct the older adult;
  • Consider the timing of your interview.  You’ll want to conduct the interview at the time of day the adult is most alert. 
  • Consider consulting a caregiver, if appropriate, for other tips about interviewing an older adult, especially information about the best time of day for an interview.

Consult Techniques and Tips for Interviewing Older Adults for additional information.  

 

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