Not only are these tips good for communicating with elders, they're also useful when talking with anyone nearing the end of life. Slowing down and taking some time, can lead to conversations that will be treasured once the person has died, and help to promote healing through the grieving process.
Now if we could just stop using the term 'elderly'.
Caring.com suggests that the way we communicate can help avoid conflict in talking with aging loved ones, seniors or elderly parents and suggests the following communication techniques:
- Listen to what elderly parents or aging loved ones are saying and try to understand what is important to them.
- Do not rush the conversation. If pushed too hard too soon, many seniors will respond by what can be perceived as being stubborn or non-compliant.
- Pose questions and offer more than one acceptable solution. Ask your parents which choice they think is best. By doing that you not only give them control and independence, but you also involve them in the decision process and make it work for everyone, regardless of the choice.
- Keep it simple. Raise a single issue at a time rather than a complex group of ideas or subjects all at once.
- Be patient. Talking with your elderly parents or aging loved ones should not be a race or a contest of wills to see who wins. It is a series of communications where both parties have to feel that they have benefited from the outcome.
Now if we could just stop using the term 'elderly'.
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