Sometimes, communicating with your elderly loved one can be complicated. There are many things that you may need to talk to them about including their physical, mental, emotional, and financial states. However, there are also many things that could impede the conversation. Some of these things include the way you talk to them, their reactions, and the communication method. The good news is that there are some tips for better communication with your elderly loved one.

Showing Empathy and Patience

Two of the things that you must do if you want to have better communication with your elderly loved one is to show them empathy and patience. Keep in mind that your elderly loved one might not respond quickly like they used to. They may need more time to process the things that you are saying to them. In addition, it might take them more time to come up with the right things to say. Sometimes medical conditions cause this, while other times, it is just aging. Either way, if you show them empathy and patience, they may be more receptive to you. They may be more willing to communicate with you, as well.

Simplicity is the Best

If you are going to communicate with your elderly loved one, keep things simple. The more that you try to talk to your elderly loved one about at one time, the more confused and irritated they are likely to become. In addition, if you talk about complex topics, your elderly loved one may be overwhelmed. Simplicity is the best. If you keep things simple and only talk about one thing at a time, your elderly loved one may be more willing to speak to you. They also may be more willing to open up to you about what is going on, too. If you have more than one thing that you need to speak to them about, try to do it in different conversations.

Involving Your Elderly Loved One

If there are things you need to discuss with your elderly loved one that involves decisions that need to be made, involve them. For instance, if you are thinking about hiring a home care services provider to help them in their home, talk to them about it. Ask your elderly loved one what they think about this. If they feel more involved in decisions that need to be made, they may be more on board with the things that need to happen.

If you use these tips for communicating with your elderly loved one, they may be more willing to speak with you. Keep these tips in mind the next time you need to have a serious conversation with your elderly loved one.

Sources:  https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2006/0900/p73.html

If you are considering Home Care Services in Bellville OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161.  Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Ontario and the surrounding areas.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Central Star Home Health Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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