Communicating with the elders over their health care

Article Written By: thecaringspace

When you first meet an elder patient, it is important to establish rapport. Ask friendly questions about the senior citizen's care interests or family, and be sure not to rush a response. This can help make the senior feel more comfortable and help you get to know the patient. Be sure to use the following guidelines when talking to the senior citizen.

Use the Proper Form of Address. Be respectful, especially when you first meet a senior citizen. Use Mr. or Mrs., and avoid using terms that may sound patronizing like "dear." Your control over the words is going to help you a lot. Ask how the senior would like to be addressed.

• Do Not Interrupt. Speak clearly and not too quickly. Also, do not rush or interrupt the senior.

• Be an Active Listener. Face the patient and make eye contact. When the senior is talking, respond with short statements like "uh-huh" and "okay."

• Be Sympathetic. If the senior citizen expresses sadness or anger, show empathy by responding with phases like "that must be difficult."

Not following these guidelines may deliver an impression of disrespect among the seniors.

Ways to Compensate for Hearing Difficulty

Hearing loss is common in senior citizens. Use the following tips so that senior citizens can better hear and understand you.

• Speak slowly and clearly.

• If necessary, raise the volume of your voice but do not shout.

• Do not speak in a high-pitched voice.

• Look at the senior and make eye contact.

• Make sure the person can see your mouth.

• Try to lower background noises, like the television, when you are speaking.

Your communication with the elders is really an important aspect while considering senior health care. Without this you wouldn t be able to get what the elder wants or what are his requirements. Moreover old age is marked by sensitiveness. Though the old age seems quite mature, but the minds usually responds as a kid.

They may get frustrated over little things and the major reason behind this can the lack of communication between you and your elders. Though you have to work hard each day, carry on your social responsibilities, but you also owe some responsibility to your elders. Even your want to sit by someone s side and say whats there in their heart.

So next time when ever you think of elder care, just sit by their side and talk to them. Make sure you are demonstrating a respectful attitude towards them. Your talking to them will make them feel good. For more details over elder care log on to: www.thecaringspace.com

About the Author

Michael Vaughan is a social activist who is working to determine suitable standards for all home care centers. For about two years he has focused on issues of centers and has talked with many people about their experiences with home care agency agencies.

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This Article Has Been Published on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 and Read 147 Times

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