Sometimes, the communication between a family caregiver and the elderly loved one can be strained. There are many issues that may come up that cause tension between you and your elderly loved one. Not being able to communicate well can make things much worse. However, there are some tips that can help to improve communication between you and your elderly loved one.
Going in Front of Your Loved One
One of the common communication issues with the elderly is that they can’t hear very well. If you are standing behind your elderly loved one, they may not be able to hear you. This can cause a lot of arguments or disagreements because you know you said something, but your elderly loved one didn’t hear you say it. The best option is to go in front of your elderly loved one. You should stand 3 feet or closer to them and make eye contact. When you get personal care at home services, the home care providers will do this, as well.
Talking on the Good Side
If you are busy doing something else and you must talk to your elderly loved one, be sure you are on their good side. Most elderly people can’t hear well or at all out of one ear. However, many elderly people can hear better out of their other ear. If this is the case for your elderly loved one, make sure you are standing on the side of their good ear. That way, there will be a better chance that they can hear what you are saying.
Stand with Light Near Your Face
Sometimes, elderly people who can’t hear well learn to read lips. If your elderly loved one can do this, make sure you are standing with light near your face. That way, when you speak to your elderly loved one, they can see what you are saying. Between the hearing they do have and being able to read your lips, that should help to improve communication between the two of you.
Enunciate
If your elderly loved one can’t hear very well, it is important to enunciate what you are saying. After a while you will learn which letters your elderly loved one has a difficult time hearing. You can start enunciating words with those letters. That way, they are able to hear you better.
Conclusion
These are some of the tips to improve communication with your elderly loved one. By using these tips, you can reduce the number of communication issues that you and your elderly loved one have. It still may take a while to make things better between the two of you. In the meantime, if you need a break, don’t hesitate to get your loved one personal care at home services. The senior care providers can take care of things for however long you need them to.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Personal Care at Home in Madison, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
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