Elderly Care Westwood MA
Some people feel that elderly loved ones just don’t want to be involved in conversations, but that’s usually not the case. There may be a barrier to communication that your loved one is struggling to get past. Understanding these barriers can help you to make communicating easier.
Trouble Hearing What Is Said
If your loved one has trouble hearing you or other people when you’re talking to him, his hearing could be a problem. Your loved one’s doctor can perform initial hearing tests, although he may recommend that he visit an audiologist for more thorough hearing tests.
Trouble Speaking Clearly
The other side of the equation can present just as much of a problem, though. If your loved one isn’t able to enunciate clearly, other people may find it difficult to understand what he is saying. This can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be linked to hearing trouble, ill-fitting dentures or dental pain, or even the side effects of a stroke.
Comprehending the Conversation
If your loved one isn’t understanding the conversation, he may stop trying to follow along. This can be because someone is using complicated lingo or terminology or it could happen due to aphasia. If you’re aware of when your loved one typically has difficulty, you can help to translate the conversation for him so that he’s not left out of it.
Feeling Defensive about the Situation
Sometimes your loved one might feel defensive about the situation and that can cause him to shut down communication. This can happen when he either is losing some independence or fears that he might be about to. In these cases, you might need to wait for him to calm down or you may want to rephrase the conversation.
Being Asked Closed-ended Questions
Closed-ended questions are those that your loved one can answer with a simple “yes,” “no,” or even just a gesture or head movement. When you ask these types of questions too often, your loved one may stop getting involved in conversations or even shut down communication. Try asking open-ended questions that involve him more in the conversation.
Work with your loved one’s doctor and elderly care providers to help you overcome as many of these issues as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Westwood MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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