When you care for an elderly family member, you may notice that communication is lagging, or it can be halted altogether. You and your loved one may have different communication styles, or your senior may have a disability or chronic illness that keeps them from communicating like they used to. There are tips for you and respite care providers who may help with your loved one.

Here is some of the best advice to help communicate with your seniors and make it easier. 

You and Respite Care Aides Should Always Be Patient

Respite Care Reedley CA – Improving Your Communication With Your Senior

When you’re in a rush to do something or in a rush to communicate something, you may feel impatient or like your senior is taking too long to respond. However, it is crucial to remain patient when trying to communicate something important. Respite care is trained to be patient, and they may have an easier time slowing down and waiting for your loved one, but this can be a challenge for you. Ensure you keep on topic and only choose one topic at a time so they can stay focused on what you’re saying. You may be tempted to talk about multiple things at once, but this can lead to major confusion when communicating, and they may mix up the details of what you’re saying. So, take it slow and be patient. If they don’t understand something, take the time to explain it to them.

Always Ask Questions and Allow Them to Ask Questions

If you have a hard time understanding your loved one, ask them simple questions until you do understand them. On the other hand, your loved one may not understand you, and they should be able to ask you questions without getting you getting frustrated or annoyed with them. Questions help you both understand each other, and it keeps a conversation going, which is important for a senior to have. The more you guys talk and understand each other, the better your communication will be.

Don’t Talk Down To Them

One of the worst things you can do is talk down to them or talk to them like they are your child. You need to remember that you are still their child, although an adult, and they are still independent even if they have help from elder care. Talking down or talking condescendingly will not get them to open up to you and may shut down communication altogether.

Always Turn Off Distractions and Laugh With Your Senior

If the radio or TV is on or your senior is listening to an audiobook, it is not the best time to try to talk to them. Too many distractions will surround your loved one, and they may not pick up what you’re trying to tell them. Always ensure that other things are off, even if it’s just music. This will help you understand each other, and your senior will know what is happening. Also, ensure you’re facing them when you speak to them; this will help limit distractions even further.

It’s important to joke around and have a laugh with your seniors. This will help you both lighten the mood and feel connected when you can laugh together. But, don’t take things too seriously; make sure you have fun with your loved one.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Respite Care Services in Reedley CA, please contact the caring staff at Everlight Home Care today. Call us at 559-353-2847.

Private Duty Home Care in Fresno, Madera, Kern Counties, and surrounding communities. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Gina Kendall

Gina Kendall has over 25 years of work experience serving the aging and the disabled. Her extensive experience in care and management began as a Social Services Coordinator in skilled nursing facilities. While working in this capacity, she became aware of the need for, and the importance of, good, quality, home care. Gina worked with families to keep their loved ones home and avoid a return visit to the hospital. As she continued her career of service, she began working with the disabled population helping to expand and improve their independence throughout all aspects of life.

This combination of experiences has afforded Gina a unique view of the needs of the aging and the disabled and how to best serve those needs in a home setting.

Gina’s Central Valley roots run deep. She earned her BA degree from Fresno State in 1993 and has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 20 years. In addition to raising her family in Fresno, she is actively involved in her local church and is a volunteer for various local community organizations.

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