Communication difficulties can increase when there’s a large gap between ages. Similar to how one takes a different strategy when in communication with a teenager, there needs to be a slightly altered approach when inspiring communication with an elderly person in home care. Anyone in Select Home Care’s senior home care knows that there’s anxiety on both sides when speaking with older people. Since every individual is unique, the reader should use these reminders as guidelines to keep the lines of communication open. Also, in elder home care services (and everywhere) there should be a type of monitoring in body language as well. Exasperation, frustration and anger can all be expressed without saying a word. When there’s a breakdown in the senior home health profession, the senior in home care may not think it’s worth bringing a matter to another’s attention. To avoid a calamity, here are a few things to keep in mind when communicating.
Find Things In Common
Forging a bond can be based on regular conversations that can make for a mutually beneficial relationship in senior home health. It’s possible to find connections that are based on respect only, but it’s also worthwhile to attempt to find those shared interests. Refrain from asking specific questions in senior in home care, in case the person is unable to remember details. Instead ask them about general events and topics which can drive a conversation and serve to discover new facets of a person’s life or personality. If the worker in a home health service already knows the person’s background, they can bring something concrete to look at (a magazine, photos, etc) to stimulate ideas to talk about.
Try an Activity
Having something to do and a concrete goal takes the pressure off of everyone, and there’s a built in means of conversing when working on a project. Scrapbooking, cooking, walking: whatever it is, seniors home care needs to stay active and involved. It’s especially beneficial if the senior can share their experiences so that the caregiver can learn from them. It can create feelings of genuine goodwill on either end, and provide a jumping off point to build a better relationship.
Keep Things Light
Those in respite care services need to have a strong sense of who they’re taking care of. To ensure a good experience in home senior care, the focus should be put on the positive aspects of any given situation. This doesn’t mean ignoring the negative or denying the facts, but rather a suggestion that will reinforce the opportunities that lie in the positive aspects of stressful events. It also encourages those receiving senior in home care to face issues head on with their caregivers.
Those working in home health services should experiment with different strategies to find which one works the best. The elderly person will appreciate the effort, even it takes them a while to respond Also, no one should even pander to them. It’s easy to adopt a condescending voice when explaining the same thing for the third time, but mutual respect will be the defining quality of in any relationship with good communication.
Select Home Care in Westlake Village is a leader in offering premier 24 hour care, hospice care, dementia home care, and companionship cares for seniors. Trusted by healthcare professionals, Select Home Care serves a vital role in helping people live more independent lives outside of institutions and keeping them closer to their families. For more information on tips on better communication strategies for seniors or about Select Home Care’s senior care services please call 800-993-1657 or visit selecthomecare.com.
