Working with older adults requires patience, compassion, and clear communication. For healthcare professionals and caregivers, speaking Spanish can make a big difference in building trust and ensuring safety. In this post, we’ll cover essential geriatric Spanish vocabulary and phrases to help you talk with elderly Spanish-speaking patients about pain, mobility, memory, medications, daily routines, and more.
1. Talking About Pain and Discomfort
Pain management is one of the most common aspects of geriatric care.
Useful vocabulary:
- dolor crónico — chronic pain
- articulaciones — joints
- inflamación — inflammation
- entumecido — numb
- adolorido — sore
Sample phrases:
- ¿Dónde le duele? — Where does it hurt?
- ¿Siente dolor al caminar? — Do you feel pain when walking?
- Señale dónde le duele. — Point to where it hurts.
2. Memory, Cognition, and Mental State
Checking memory and orientation is especially important with older adults.
Useful vocabulary:
- demencia — dementia
- olvido frecuente — frequent forgetfulness
- confusión — confusion
- cognición — cognition
Sample phrases:
- ¿Recuerda dónde vive? — Do you remember where you live?
- ¿Sabe en qué año estamos? — Do you know what year it is?
- ¿Sabe qué día de la semana es hoy? — Do you know what day of the week it is today?
3. Mobility and Fall Risk
Falls are a major risk for the elderly. Here are some ways to ask about mobility and safety.
Useful vocabulary:
- equilibrio — balance
- caída — fall
- barras de apoyo — grab bars
- ayuda para caminar — walking aid
Sample phrases:
- ¿Puede levantarse solo/a? — Can you get up by yourself?
- ¿Ha tenido alguna caída recientemente? — Have you had any falls recently?
- ¿Necesita ayuda para caminar? — Do you need help walking?
4. Medication and Chronic Health Management
Older adults often take multiple medications. Clear communication is essential.
Useful vocabulary:
- receta médica — prescription
- efectos secundarios — side effects
- medicina diaria — daily medicine
- alergias — allergies
Sample phrases:
- ¿Qué medicinas toma diariamente? — What medicines do you take daily?
- ¿Tiene alergias a medicamentos? — Do you have any allergies to medications?
- ¿Está tomando todas sus medicinas? — Are you taking all of your medicines?
5. Daily Living Activities (ADLs)
Helping with basic daily activities is a big part of geriatric care.
Useful vocabulary:
- aseo personal — personal hygiene
- alimentación — nutrition
- bañarse — to bathe
- vestirse — to get dressed
Sample phrases:
- ¿Necesita ayuda para vestirse? — Do you need help getting dressed?
- ¿Puede ir al baño solo/a? — Can you go to the bathroom by yourself?
- ¿Necesita ayuda para bañarse? — Do you need help bathing?
6. Sensitive Conversations
Sometimes, you may need to discuss difficult topics with older patients and their families.
Useful vocabulary:
- noticias delicadas — delicate news
- cuidado paliativo — palliative care
- acompañamiento familiar — family support
Sample phrases:
- Lamento tener que compartirle malas noticias… — I’m sorry to have to share bad news…
- Sé que esto no es lo que esperaba, pero… — I know this isn’t what you were expecting, but…
- ¿Desea que un familiar esté presente? — Would you like a family member to be present?
Want to learn more phrases to talk about delicate diagnosis? Check out these quick video lessons: How to Give Bad News in Spanish and Medical Phrases for Delicate Diagnoses
7. Nutrition and Hydration
Eating and drinking well are constant challenges in elder care.
Useful vocabulary:
- alimentos blandos — soft foods
- deshidratación — dehydration
- pérdida de peso — weight loss
Sample phrases:
- ¿Está comiendo bien? — Are you eating well?
- ¿Ha perdido peso últimamente? — Have you lost weight recently?
- ¿Está tomando suficiente agua? — Are you drinking enough water?
- Coma alimentos fáciles de masticar. — Eat easy-to-chew foods.
If you want more info on nutrition check out our blog post on How to talk about Diet and Exercise in Spanish
8. Safety and Environment
Many accidents can be prevented by checking the living environment.
Useful vocabulary:
- iluminación adecuada — adequate lighting
- alfombra resbaladiza — slippery rug
- barandales — railings
Sample phrases:
- ¿Se siente seguro caminando por su casa? — Do you feel safe walking around your home?
- ¿Tiene barras de apoyo en el baño? — Do you have grab bars in the bathroom?
- Es importante evitar alfombras resbaladizas. — It’s important to avoid slippery rugs.
Caring for older adults requires more than just medical knowledge—it requires kindness, cultural understanding, and the ability to communicate clearly. Learning geriatric Spanish phrases can help you connect better with your patients and provide safer, more compassionate care.
Want to practice what you learned? Download the Free Activity PDF!
