10 Tips for Communicating with a Senior
The following tips may not apply in every situation, but using them will ensure that you are doing everything you can to engage in productive communication. Caregiving can cause major changes in family dynamics, and constant friction can be frustrating, but learning what goes into healthy communication can help.
1. Don’t Give Advice Unless It’s Asked For
Giving advice should be avoided unless the parent specifically requests it, and it is generally preferable to delegate the role of advisor to a neutral third party. You can offer encouragement and support without giving advice on how to improve your health or well-being.
2. Listen to What Your Elderly Parent Is Saying
Avoid interrupting or filling silences in conversations; a brief pause could indicate that your family member is considering a response. Listening is a two-way street, so make sure the person is hearing what you say as well.
3. Accept Differences of Opinion
Listen to all sides and try to reach a compromise when a decision needs to be made. No matter how close a family is, everyone is not going to agree all of the time. Respect others’ opinions the same way you would like your own to be respected.
4. Speak Clearly
Remain calm and talk in a gentle, matter-of-fact manner. If your loved one still doesn’t understand what you’re saying, try phrasing it differently. Speak louder if necessary, but don’t shout.
5. Don’t Be Condescending
Don’t speak to your parent as if they are a child if they have dementia or severe hearing loss; being patronizing is a surefire way to start an argument. Make sure your attempts to “turn up the volume” and slow down your speech don’t come across as condescending.
6. Choose the Right Environment
Turn off the TV or turn down the volume on the radio, and face the person you’re talking to so they can read your facial expressions. If you’re talking in a group, make sure the elder isn’t at the far end of the table or on the outskirts of the seating arrangement.
7. Consider What It Is Like To Be Older
Even if communicating with a loved one is frustrating and difficult, try to keep them involved in conversations and decisions you can participate in.
8. Pick Your Battles
Instead of tackling every issue at once, prioritize the issues you want to address and celebrate small victories one at a time, as this can be frustrating and embarrassing for an elder.
How do you start a conversation with the elderly?
Starting a conversation with senior citizens is no different than starting a conversation with people your own age. Discussion Topics for Senior Citizens
- Ask about their past.
- Ask about their current thoughts.
- Look ahead.
- Ask about their favorite things.
- Ask about their achievements.
How do you communicate with difficult elderly and older adults?
How to Talk to Difficult Seniors and Elderly People
- Ask Instead of Ordering.
- Ask Instead of Assuming.
- Use “I” instead of “You” Language.
- Offer Choices Whenever Possible.
- Set Consequences.
What are some good questions to ask an elderly person?
Concerns about growing older
- What are the most rewarding aspects of growing older? Is it the accumulation of a lifetime’s worth of knowledge?
- What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in your life?
- Who has had the greatest influence on you?
- What life advice would you give?
- If you could go back in time, what age would you choose?
How do you greet an elderly person formally?
Always make eye contact with your elders when approaching or greeting them; this shows that you are aware of their presence, and a warm smile from you can brighten someone’s otherwise gloomy day.
What do seniors like to be called?
Seniors (but not senior citizens), retirees, older people, and older adults are some of the most popular terms for the elderly. Pensioners is acceptable, and elders is embraced by those who see it as a sign of respect.
What is the leading cause of death for older adults?
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease account for roughly three-quarters of all deaths in people aged 65 and up, with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease replacing acute infections as the leading causes of death during the twentieth century.
What are some signs of possible elder abuse?
What Are Some Symptoms of Elder Abuse?
- Bruises, cuts, or broken bones.
- Malnutrition or weight loss.
- Poor hygiene.
- Anxiety, depression, or confusion symptoms.
- Unexplained transactions or money loss.
- Withdrawal from family or friends.
What are good questions to ask a 90 year old?
Questions to Ask Older Adults About Growing Up
- U201cDid you ever have a curfew?u201d
- U201cHow did you get to school?u201d
- U201cWho was your favorite teacher?u201d
- U201cWhat was the worst trick you ever played on your parents?u201d
- U201cDid you ever face any setbacks?u201d
- U201cWho was your first crush?u201d
- U201cDid you ever play an instrument?u201d
What can you reminisce about the elderly?
How to Assist Seniors in Reminiscing
- Reference their favorite movies.
- Relive holiday traditions.
- Play music that is meaningful to them.
- Reminisce using objects.
What to talk about with elderly parents?
Having a Financial Conversation with Your Aging Parents
- U201c
- Ask about money during a quiet time. u201c
- Assist them in getting all of their paperwork in order as soon as possible. u201c
- If you and your parents have a good relationship, consider using a direct approach.
How do you say hi to an elderly person?
In English, it is customary to address people as Mr, Mrs, or Miss until they are allowed to be addressed by their first names; in this case, a polite greeting to an older person might be, “Good morning Mr Jones.”
What can I say instead of hey?
synonyms for the word hey
- Greetings.
- Hello.
- Howdy.
- Welcome.
- Bonjour.
- Good evening.
- Good day.
How do I respect my elders?
Ways to Pay Respect to Our Elders
- Be polite.
- Ask for advice.
- Eat together.
- Discuss family heritage, history, and traditions.
- Call them.
- Tell them how much you appreciate and respect them.
- Visit senior living communities.