If you are a social worker who deals with older adults from time to time, age related health problems can present a barrier to effective communication.Complicating conversations and understanding can be caused by chronic conditions such as dementia and hearing loss.A frustrating and seemingly helpless experience can be created during periods of diminished lucidity.To create a communication friendly environment, you can use techniques to facilitate interaction with older adults.
Step 1: The person has health issues.
Older adults may have health problems that make it hard to speak and comprehend.You should consider the person's health before talking to them.They may have problems with hearing, speech, and memory.Communication is complicated by these factors.A chronological age is not always a true indicator of a person's health.
Step 2: You should pay attention to the environment in which you are communicating.
Hearing and speech problems can be caused by the environment in which you communicate.Is there any noise in the background?Is there a lot of people in the same room?Is it intrusive music?Is there any distraction that could affect my communication?If the environment is comfortable for the older adult, ask.If you sense any noise, you should move to a quieter place.
Step 3: Speak clearly.
Older adults may not be able to hear.It is important to say what you mean.Your speech should be directed at the individual's face.Don't eat your words, move your mouth and pronounce them correctly.You articulate more clearly when your tongue moves inside your mouth.If your tongue sleeps and plays a passive role, you are more likely not to articulate as well as you could.
Step 4: It's a good idea to adjust your volume.
Talking loudly is different from enunciating.Adapt your voice to the needs of the individual.Evaluate the environment to see if it relates to the person's hearing abilities.Don't shout because the person listening to you is older.Speak at a comfortable volume that is suitable for both of you and treat the individual with respect.
Step 5: Questions and sentences can be used in a clear and precise manner.
If you sense there is an absence of comprehension, rephrase or repeat your questions.Older adults with short-term memory or hearing loss may be confused by complicated questions and sentences.It's easier to comprehend clear and precise constructions.Direct questions include, "Did you have soup for lunch?"Did you have a salad for lunch?What did you eat for lunch?The elderly are less difficult to understand if you are precise in your language.You should reduce the noise in your questions and sentences.Limit your answers to 20 words or less.Slang or "filler words and phrases" should not be used."Like," "well," and "you know" are some examples.Your sentences should be direct to the point.Don't confuse ideas and questions.Try to think logically.It may be difficult for the older adult to understand if you mix ideas.Send one idea and message at a time.It is a good idea to call John.We can call your sister, Susan."I think we should call your brother, John, first, and then your sister, Susan," would be a more complicated construction.
Step 6: If possible use visual aids.
If an older adult has a hearing or memory problem, it is important to be creative.There are visual aids that help.Show the individual what you are talking about.It might be better to say, "Is there any pain in your back?"Do you have any pain in your stomach?Instead of asking "Do you have any pain?"
Step 7: Take it slowly, be patient, and smile.
A smile shows that you're understanding.A friendly environment in which to communicate is created by it.Pause between questions and sentences.Give the individual time to digest and understand the information.If a person has memory loss, this is an important technique.You show respect and patience when you pause.