Learn how strong communication can enhance senior care
Caregivers, whether family members or through a home care agency, take on a lot of responsibilities when caring for seniors. One of the best ways to provide successful senior care is through effective and clear communication.
When it comes to in-home care agencies, strong communication is essential to building relationships and forming trust amongst caregivers, seniors, and their families. Communication ensures that seniors and their families are kept in the loop on their plan of care and made aware of any updates.
Continue reading to learn more about how communication can be used to provide quality home care for seniors.
Emphasize empathy.
Empathetic communication helps seniors feel heard and understood which makes them more likely to open up and express their feelings and needs. Being made aware of how they’re feeling will help caregivers give seniors more individualized, personal care that is tailored to their needs.
Many seniors may also want emotional support from their caregiver, but feel too scared or ashamed to express this. Practicing empathy can help them open up and promote a safe environment for honest self-expression.
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Explain clearly.
It’s important to communicate as clearly as possible when it comes to quality home care for seniors in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Talk to seniors about the plan for each day and what needs to get done before the day is over. Practicing this will help seniors feel involved in daily tasks and not ignored.
It’s also critical to be sure you can communicate clearly when under stress and express your feelings and needs without ignoring how the senior you’re caring for may be feeling. Strong, clear communication requires listening fully and being honest while still remaining respectful and kind. This will help to build mutual trust and respect between seniors and their caregivers.
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Be patient.
Seniors may not fully understand what you’re trying to communicate the first time you say it. Remaining patient with them and repeating yourself more clearly will help seniors feel heard.
Many seniors may also talk and move more slowly than you, and it’s important to be understanding and not become frustrated with them. Also, if you’re their new caregiver, they may be apprehensive of your help at first. Don’t rush them and allow them time to get used to you being there to help them.
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Involve family.
Caregivers and home health agencies should keep seniors’ families involved and in the loop on how they’re doing and their health plan on a regular basis.
Families entrust caregivers with their loved ones, and it’s important to respect them and keep them as up-to-date as possible.
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The Flourish in Place difference
Flourish in Place is dedicated to helping seniors and adults with disabilities continue to experience the richness of life, retain their individuality, and enjoy the freedom to be themselves in the comfort of their own home.
During your free “sofa visit” consultation, we discuss care options then create a personalized plan of care suited for the unique needs of your aging loved one and your family.
As part of our commitment to provide compassionate and innovative care, we match our clients with a specially selected caregiver who’s the perfect fit and passionate about what they do.
Looking for a caregiver for you or a loved one?
Request your free consultation today!
