One real obstacle in caring for the elderly can be a lack of communication. It is important to always express yourself clearly, and to allow them to do the same. Here are some tips to improve your communication skills with the elderly. When caring for the elderly, keep your sentences short and concise. Ask simple questions and wait for the answer before rushing to the next subject. You have to give them time to process and formulate answers. Limit your vocabulary and stay on one subject, one sentence at a time. Be careful of sending mixed messages or using slang that may not be understood. Always make your elder the center of attention. Now is not the time to download your problems on to your elder. Start conversations with chit chat about your elder and the day. Be light, gentle, general, and discuss topics that will be familiar to them. It is important when caring for the elderly that you have an understanding of their values. This is a good way to build trust. They have to know that you understand his/her values, struggles, and identity. When that happens, barriers begin to melt. Caregiving is a chance to embrace your elder emotionally and to work together to find answers and harmony. Try to talk about positive memories and important people from their lives. Being a caregiver is all about making your elder feel good and establishing a rapport. Find something positive that will increase your bond. Honor who she is and who she was. If past conflicts arise, face them directly to dissipate the unease. Be extra sensitive about how you bring up unresolved history. Doing so can cause your elder to tune you out or become upset. What happened in the past happened, and people have their own perspective of events. Finally, when caring for the elderly, always facilitate open, honest dialogue. Allow your elder's feelings to surface. Never try to suppress things he/she wants to discuss. This time is usually filled with reflection and new understanding, and your elder will probably want to talk to someone about it. That someone can be you.
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