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During a recent visit with my grandmother, I realized the importance of adapting your communication to older adults. Like many older Americans, my grandmother is challenged by chronic health problems. She takes medication for physical and mental ailments. Her chronic conditions and medication can complicate communication and understanding. As her dementia progresses, communication becomes more and more challenging. In her short-lived periods of lucidity, her hearing loss alone complicates interaction. During her periods of obscurity, it can be a frustrating and helpless experience. Effective social workers must be able to communicate with older adults who are challenged with similar health problems. These health problems can complicate communication and understanding. Here are 8 techniques you can use to help facilitate interaction with older adults to create a communicationfriendly environment. 1. Be aware of the person's health problems. Older adults may have health problems that add difficulty to speaking and understanding. For example, they may have hearing problems, speech problems, and memory loss. These factors complicate communication. Be sure you consider the person's health before you engage in communication. And remember, chronological age is not always a true indicator of a person’s health. 2. Be attentive to the environment you are communicating in. Hearing and speech problems can create a barrier. Be sure to evaluate the environment you are communicating in. Is there any disturbing background noise? Are there many people speaking in the same room? Is there any intrusive music? Are there any distractions that can affect your communication? Ask the older adult if the environment is comfortable to them. If you sense any disturbance, try to go to a more peaceful and quiet place. 3. Speak clearly, articulate, and make eye contact. Older adults may have trouble hearing. It is important to articulate and speak clearly. Direct your speech at the individual and not to the side of the person. Do not eat your words. Move your mouth and pronounce each word carefully and precisely. If your tongue “dances” inside your mouth when you talk, you articulate. If your tongue "sleeps" and plays a passive role, you do not articulate. 4. Adjust your volume appropriately. There is a difference between enunciating and talking loudly. Learn to adapt your voice to the needs of the individual. Evaluate the environment you are in and the person’s hearing. Sometimes, it is sufficient to interact in a quiet place. Never shout at an older adult. Treat the individual with respect by articulating and speaking at a comfortable volume that is suitable for both of you.
Terry Kaufman
Clear English Communications
Coach and Facilitator
Founder, Your English Success
Phone: +33 6 61 77 07 84
www.sustainable-english.blogspot.com
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