Communicating with the elderly is a big part of what we do as caregivers. When you need to move the elderly from a bed to a wheelchair you will need to enlist his or her cooperation. To help the elderly feel relaxed and well taken care of, you need to communicate your abilities and confidence. Communicating that you are interested in the elderly as a person will give that person a sense human interaction that can be lacking for seniors especially those living away from their families and friends.

In simple terms, communications is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else.

Communication serves five major purposes;

1. To inform
2. To express feelings
3. To imagine
4. To influence
5. To meet social expectations

Each of these purposes is reflected in a form of communication.

Taking care of an aging loved one requires patience. This is especially true when it comes to communicating with them. Caregiver tips for communication include:

• Initiate communication by connecting with them physically or emotionally.
• Establish and maintain eye contact. It’s a powerful form of nonverbal communication.
• Use the person’s name when you speak to them.
• Touch your loved one on the shoulder or hold their hand.
• Be patient and compassionate.
• Ask questions instead of ordering them around.
• Try simple yes or no questions if making decisions is difficult for them.
• Learn how to be an active listener.

At Humble Homecare Services, we train our caregivers to be good listeners and communicators. Kindly feel free to reach out to us @ 978 764 5296 to set up homecare services for your loved one or for general inquiry.