The process of communication is complex and can be even more complicated with aging. Older adults are generally more heterogeneous than most people who are younger than they are, and they have many life experiences that can often influence the ability they have to communicate effectively. These same experiences can also hinder communication because of the aging process. This can involve sensory loss, processing information more slowly, and a reduction of memory. This often leads to the older adult's feeling of having less influence and power over their lives. Aging also changes the health of an older adult. Chronic health issues are common for seniors and may influence the ability of them to communicate effectively. Home care Vancouver throws some light on this topic.
Learning About Communication
Your
senior loved one may appear to shut down when a conversation is initiated, or a
question asked. It is not always because they simply refuse to talk. They may
have difficulty hearing or processing the words. Their speech may have gotten
slower, and they may become frustrated when they cannot speak as they once did
or hear you. There is a myriad of ways to help older adult enhance their
communication, and family and caregivers can also boost their ability to
communicate with the senior loved one.
Things to Do;
- When
communicating with your senior loved one, allow a little extra time for
them to process what you are saying. This gives them the time needed to
get their words situated so that they can speak to the best of their
ability.
- Do not
become distracted by something else when trying to communicate with your
senior loved one. It is important that they have your undivided attention.
- When talking
with your senior loved one, be face to face with them. This makes it much
easier for them to receive your information and respond to it. One of the
most important factors of communicating with your older adult is to
maintain eye contact with them. Sometimes they can get the feel of what
the conversation is about just by being able to see your face.
- Listening to
what the older adult has to say is also important. This means actually
listening to them without interruption. Let them know that you heard what
was said, and give a positive comment.
- Speak
slowly, loudly, and clearly when talking with the senior. The rate at
which information is provided will affect how much is taken in, and
committed to their memory.
- Use short
sentences, simple words, and stick to one topic at a time. You want to
simplify information and speak in a manner that they can understand
easily.
