4 Strategies To Talk With Your Elderly Parent
Seniors are often very private, and you want to ensure they feel comfortable discussing any health concerns with you.
1. Be Respectful
The best way to communicate with seniors is to be authentic and polite. Remember that their minds are not like yours, so it is important not to talk over or down to them. Seniors often experience physical and mental changes that they don’t know about. It is also important not to use baby talk expressions when talking to them.
Be polite and show respect by speaking slowly and letting the elderly speak their mind without interrupting. Don’t use their first names without their permission, and don’t sit down with them unless they express that they want to.
2. Stop & Listen
When talking with older adults, you must stop and listen to the issues they’re bringing up. Your older loved one may be unable to follow what you’re saying, so stop and ask a few questions to get their perspective on the subject. This can be a very valuable way to connect with the senior. It is also important to respect their independence and don’t make decisions for them. This is especially important if they’re dealing with health issues.
When you’re talking with a senior, remember that their attention needs to be held, so you should avoid creating a noisy environment. Also, try to keep your voice low and face the person when talking. This will help them process your words more easily.
3. Involve Your Family Members
When talking with seniors, always remember that they need to feel heard and respected. Even if you don’t agree with something they say, try to compromise. Pay close attention to your tone of voice and facial expressions. If your elder has difficulty hearing, make sure to speak slowly and at a lower volume. Also, avoid sitting at the end of a table or the outskirts of a seating arrangement. Instead, sit in the middle of the table.
While the three of you may not agree on everything, you should try to stay away from the subject of politics. Seniors often have different opinions on various social issues and lifestyle choices, and it is best to avoid picking fights. Arguing with your elder will not change their mind and may only cause them to feel anxious.
4. Take A Deep Breath
Deep breathing exercises are a great way to reduce stress. They lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and improve circulation and digestion. Deep breathing also supports correct posture. These techniques are effective for people of all ages. You can practice them at home by lying down or sitting comfortably.
Contact us or call us today with any questions you might have! Visit our blog for more exciting articles about senior care.
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