Your aging parents are the kind of people that I care for on a daily basis at Vintage Senior Living in St. Joseph, MO. After communicating with seniors for the last 11 years, I have come to realize that if you keep the following points in mind, communicating with your aging parents will go much smoother. That would be a blessing, right?
1. When talking with them, get at eye-level and face to face. A majority of seniors have some hearing loss whether they will admit it or not. I have found that just getting on their level face-to-face makes a tremendous difference because many, whether they know it or not, use lip reading to help them understand.
2. Speak in a clear “firm” voice and annunciate your words. I don’t mean to yell, but clear and audible. Mumbling is the worst because they will not be able to hear you and they cannot read your lips.
3. Use body language that conveys the message you want them to hear. For example, if you are talking about a basketball, then bring your hands up like you are grabbing a basketball. If you are telling them a sad story, make sure that your body language coveys that so that it is easier for them to understand what messages you are trying to convey.
4. Finally, ask them frequently if they are understanding what you are telling them. Pausing and making sure they are following you will prevent miscommunication in many cases.
If you follow those four tips, your communication with your aging parents will improve dramatically. Pass this on to people you know that have parents reaching their late 70s and 80s.
God bless you,
Joe Freudenthal
