Independent Speech, LLC

Communicating Effectively As Our Loved One Age

As our loved ones age, communicating effectively can require more time and thought.  As we age our physical, psychological and social things change occur in the normal process of aging.

Here are a few strategies for communicating with older people:

1) Reduce background noise.  Turn down the TV, move to a room with fewer people, etc.  This allows the person to better focus on you and what you are saying.

2) When you begin a conversation start with basic topics to help the person focus on you and become fully engaged in the conversation before discussing more important topics.

3) When engaged in a conversation try to stick to one topic, shifting quickly from one topic to the next may be confusing.  Use short and concise sentences, this helps the person focus on the meaning.  If possible discuss familiar topics things that you both know well, this helps both understand what the other is talking about because it is shared knowledge.

4) Be patient.  Allow them time to tell stories (even if you have heard it a dozen times) these memories and stories tend to be very important to them and it will make them feel good that you care enough to sit and listen.

5) Allow them a little extra time to respond to your questions as they may need an extra minute to think through their response. Make answering questions easier by providing options such as “Would you like to watch Jeopardy or Family Feud?” rather than asking “What would you like to watch on tv?”

6) Be very aware when you are listening.  Pay attention to gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice etc.  These clues can help you determine what they are talking about or what they want.

7) Help those around you and accept help from others.  If you find a strategy that works let others know so they are able to employ this strategy as well.  If you are having  trouble, ask others if they have any strategies they use that seem to be effective.

If you are concerned about a loved ones communication abilities you may wish to contact a licensed-certified speech-language pathologist who can work with you and your loved one to address your concerns so that you are able to enjoy communicating with your loved ones for years to come.

To speak with one of our licensed-certified speech-language pathologists please feel free to contact us at any time either by phone at 1-877-480-7913 or by e-mail at info@independentspeech.com

Online Speech Therapy provided by Independent Speech ~ www.independentspeech.com