Abstract
One's intuitive impression is that optimizing the quality of communication for the elderly in long-term care settings results in improved care delivery, improved client and employee satisfaction, and reduced caregiver stress. Here, the author outlines basic sensorimotor and cognitive changes associated with aging that affect communication, based on current cognitive-linguistic theory and upon her clinical experience as a provider of speech-language therapy in a long-term care environment. Specific strategies for reducing the impact of communication impairments related to aging are discussed.