When communicating with a resident who has a hearing impairment, where should the light be shining?

In effective communication with a resident who has a hearing impairment, it's crucial that the light shines on the face of the person speaking, in this case, the nursing assistant (NA). Proper lighting on the NA’s face ensures that the resident can see facial expressions and lip movements, which can significantly aid in understanding spoken words. These visual cues are vital for individuals who rely on lip reading as part of their communication strategy.

Bright lighting directed onto the NA’s face helps create a clearer visual image for the resident, enhancing their ability to retrieve information and engage in conversation. This approach fosters better interaction and minimizes misunderstandings, helping to create a more comfortable environment for communication. In contrast, lighting focused elsewhere, such as on the floor or the lighting fixture, would not provide the visual support needed for effective communication in this context.