Guidelines for Communicating with Older Persons
If you are caring for an older person, you may find that communicating is sometimes a challenge. Here are some rules to follow that may help you communicate with any older adult.
General Principles
- Use plan language. That means using words that people will understand the first time they hear it.
- Use the word "you" whenever it's appropriate to make communication more personal.
- Repect the person's background, knowledge, and values.
Personal Contact
- Get low and go slow. If you want to make someone comfortable, don't position yourself so that you are standing or seated above that person.
- Take your time; do not rush the person.
- Watch your tone of voice and body language. They reflect your attitude and may mean more than the words you say.
- To overcome hearinf difficulties, eliminate background noises to the extent possible. Keep sentences short and emphasize key words.
- Use their name frquently and show respect.
- Make eye contact, and maintain it as much as possible.
- Ask one question at a time.
- Be patient. If the person has a story, let them tell it in their own way and time.
- Keep it simple, sincere, and clear.
Above all, reassure the person by showing that you are interested and that you care.