Ask About the Animals

I work with frail, elderly patients who generally have few-if any-living relatives. During their initial physical evaluation, I always ask them if they have any pets; then I spend time discussing their animals with them. I write down the name and type of pet so that I can refer to it on subsequent visits. This often helps patients relax and open up.

-- Kathleen Savage, MSN, ARNP, BC, A/GNP
Revere, Mass

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