Learning how to communicate well with an elderly parent can make a huge difference in both your relationship and your loved one’s decisions regarding any health issues. Every person is different, but there are a few basic techniques that encourage respectful conversations about personal health or any other topic. Here are a few tips for how to communicate better with your loved one.
Keep the Conversation Two-Sided
You’ll have a more effective conversation with your loved one about increasing his or her quality of life if you offer options instead of telling him or her what needs to be done. Express your concerns and show your loved one respect by listening to his or her response without interruption. Instead of questions that only require yes or no answers, ask open-ended questions that generate conversations.
Trained caregivers who have experience in communicating with seniors can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated senior care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Pearland. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Explain the Reason for Your Discussion
Voice your concerns and let your loved one know you want to ensure he or she lives a high-quality life. Mentioning you want to do what you can so your loved one ages with dignity and grace can make him or her more comfortable and willing to discuss sensitive age-related topics with you.
Professional caregivers with training and expertise in elder care can often identify the sources of seniors’ communication issues and respond effectively and compassionately. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care service. Pearland families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Let Go of the Need to Be Right
Even if your gut and heart are telling you you’re right about what your loved one needs, he or she might disagree with you. Don’t use a firm tone to make your point because it could result in alienation. Respect your loved one’s wishes unless his or her safety or health is at stake.
Relinquish Control
Think about how important it is for you to make decisions about your own life. Even though you’re concerned about your loved one, remember he or she deserves the same courtesy. The only time you may need to manage some of your loved one’s life decisions is if he or she has an age-related physical condition or a mental disorder such as dementia. If this is the case, you’ll need to find the balance between independence and safety in a respectful way that will still allow your loved one to have as much control as possible over his or her own life.
If your loved one is living with dementia, an experienced home caregiver can be a valuable resource for the whole family. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Pearland families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (281) 809-7342 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
