It may have been a while since you’ve heard your senior’s voice, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a way to communicate with her.
Pay Close Attention When You Talk
When you’re the one doing the talking, make sure that you’re watching your senior closely. Her body language and facial responses might tell you quite a bit about how she’s feeling or what her response is to what you’re saying. Even if you have a lot of tasks that you need to complete, having your focus on your senior is going to make communication that much easier.
Speak Clearly and Avoid Raising Your Voice
If your senior is having difficulty making out what you’re saying, she might not be able to let you know that. Make sure that when you’re talking with her you’re not talking too loudly, which can distort what you’re trying to say. You also need to make sure that you’re enunciating clearly so that she can make out what you’re saying.
Let Your Senior Know When You Arrive and Leave
You might not realize this, but having an idea when you’re there and when you’ve left can do quite a bit to help your senior feel more secure. Make it a point to say hello when you arrive and to let her know you’re there. If you’ll be leaving again, give her an idea when you arrive when you’ll be leaving again. Then, before you leave, stop by and make sure she knows you’re on your way out.
Ask Yes and No Questions
If you can work out a set of yes and no questions for your elderly family member when you need to know specific information that can be easier for both of you. This is a lot easier if your senior is able to nod or to shake her head, of course, but you can also work out other signs, such as blinking or raising one hand or the other. Ultimately, it helps to just have a system in place that you both understand.
Ask for Help from Elderly Care Providers
Working with elderly care providers can be extremely helpful during this type of situation because they have experience with these sorts of issues. They can share tips and tricks with you that they’ve found helpful in the past. They may also be able to point you toward resources that can help you and your senior.
Talk with your elderly family member’s doctor about what you need to be aware of in terms of her overall health. If your aging family member can’t talk to you, you need to be even more vigilant about addressing issues for her.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering a Caregiver in Upland, CA, contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Homecare today at 951-382-5266.
About Kristi Duran
Kristi Duran is the owner of No Place Like Home Homecare. Kristi started NPLH because of her absolute love for seniors. She was raised by her grandparents from the day she was born. Kristi has a special connection to seniors and understands their wishes and needs to stay independent.
Kristi has worked in the medical field for years and has seen first-hand how aging seniors want nothing more than to age in the comfort of their own home with dignity and grace. At NPLH, she and her caregivers insure that this happens.
NPLH is not a large franchise. It is a personal family owned homecare service. This insures a one on one personalized touch. Kristi is available 24 hours a day to her clients and their families.