Good communication with seniors key to good care.
Most́ Poles believe that they will take carę of their loved ones themselves when they need́ care in old age. Meanwhile, in practice, this is not so easy – not only due to the reorganization of their existing lives, but also due to difficulties in daily communication.
However, it is always worthwhile to make attempts to talk to a loved one in old age. Verbal contact not only helps to articulate one’s needs and build relationships, but also simply prolongs life – provided, of course, that it is a kind and respectful contact that does not tire, but strengthens the bond with our close seniors.
Overcoming trouble with speaking
Verbal communication, however, is unfortunately not always easy. On the one hand, the elderly, due to their age, may have problems in formulating thoughts and turning them into words, and on the other hand, younger family members are not prepared for new problems, lack patience, and become irritated by new responsibilities. Seniors’ difficulties in communication depend on various factors, but mostly their common denominator is deteriorating health. Problems with hearing, eyesight or orientation certainly affect daily contact with the family. In such situations, loved ones should demonstraté greater understanding and empathy, although of course it is not easy to empathize with the senior’s position when we ourselves are in full health.
One of the biggest challenges facing families of seniors is facing dementia. This disease has different varieties and is somethinǵ much more serious thaṅ memory impairment. People, suffering from this disorder, often have problems with orientation, facial recognition, it happens that they exhibit aggressive behavior. Trouble with memory̨ is an additional, unimaginably hardship for them to communicate with their families. But is dialogue completely impossible in this situation? Absolutely, it should not be abandoned, despite all the inconveniences, according to Jaroslaw Dobrowolski, a senior citizen expert at Bravecare. The family, which tries to establish contact with the patient, provides invaluable support, thanks to which the disease can be halted and life prolonged. This is related to stimulation of brain function, return of cognitive abilities and finally regaining the will to live. So don’t underestimate the importance of simple conversation – such daily contact may just prolong seniors’ presence in this world.
What to talk about́?
Topics for conversation are plentiful and subject to life itself. We are inspired by what happens to us, we tell what we hear from others, we debate the political situation, we look for solutions to our problems. However, when it comes to dialogue with seniors, it is worth paying special attention to the tone of the topics raised, says the Bravecare expert. Light and pleasant topics should prevail, recalling happy moments, focusing on the positives. That which is depressing is tried to be avoided, if possible, of course. There is simply no point in tormenting seniors with problems that they won’t solve themselves anyway.
Experiences and real-life stories are the first group of grateful topics for conversation. Seniors like tǫ talḱ about the past. “Oncé it was…”, “and I at your age…”. – these are phrases that can often be heard́ from a loved one. Let us not be irritated, but inspired. Let’s take these dialogues as an opportunity to improve our relationship with the senior, look through old photographs together, smile at some memory.
It will be a great memory exercise for the senior, and a nice stop for us in the rush of everyday life. Let’s remember that these moments we have together will not last indefinitely – so let’s not poison them with impatience.
Another group of topics is the exchange of opinions – movies, TV series or books – the pretexts for conversation are many. It often happens̨ that while the caregiver was minding his/her own business, the elderly person was busy watching TV or reading the newspaper. It’s a good idea to ask after the activity how the time went for her. Did she enjoy the movię? Would she recommend the book she read to others? Such conversations are a great exercise in memory, the need to formulate thoughts independently. Let’s talk about our entertainment and arrange an interesting exchange of impressions of what family members of different ages experience.
And finally, it is necessary to talk about the changes taking place – it is very important not to leave seniors out of the conversation – for example, when the family is forced to také the decision to move in together. Home conditions do not always allow̨ to take another person under the roof, and even if they do – we simply wean ourselves from each other enough that we have to learn to stay with each other again. However, when there is no way out due to the deteriorating health of a loved one, it is necessary to talk about it. Seniors should not be treated objectively – these are people close to us, with whom we need to talk calmly about the upcoming changes,” explains Jaroslaw Dobrowolski of Bravecare. You need to explain what is going to happen, why and how, trying to keep your emotions in check and not be thrown off balance. And even if we hear a protest from the other side along the lines of “after all, old trees are not replanted,” explain that sometimes life verifies our plans. If it’s too difficult – let’s ask for help from a family member, a neighbor – a friend, or a specialist, such as a psychologist.
And finally, it is necessary to talk about the changes taking place – it is very important not to leave seniors out of the conversation – for example, when the family is forced to také the decision to move in together. Home conditions do not always allow̨ to take another person under the roof, and even if they do – we simply wean ourselves from each other enough that we have to learn to stay with each other again. However, when there is no way out due to the deteriorating health of a loved one, it is necessary to talk about it. Seniors should not be treated objectively – these are people close to us, with whom we need to talk calmly about the upcoming changes,” explains Jaroslaw Dobrowolski of Bravecare. You need to explain what is going to happen, why and how, trying to keep your emotions in check and not be thrown off balance. And even if we hear a protest from the other side along the lines of “after all, old trees are not replanted,” explain that sometimes life verifies our plans. If it’s too difficult – let’s ask for help from a family member, a neighbor – a friend, or a specialist, such as a psychologist.
Bravecare is an international company dedicated to the professional care of dependent, sick, elderly and disabled people, offering services of the highest quality. It acts as an intermediary in finding fully legal and safe work in Poland and abroad, carefully selecting competent workers for assignments, providing linguistic, psychological and legal support from coordinators, and offering remuneration corresponding to qualifications. For more information: www.bravecare.pl
