Senior Care in Las Vegas NV
When an elderly loved one has trouble with her hearing, it means you need to learn to communicate with her in a different way. Using some of these ideas can help you to improve communication for both of you.
Avoid Shouting
A common misconception is that shouting will help you to break through your loved one’s hearing issues. In reality, shouting distorts what you’re saying and makes it more difficult for your loved one to understand what you’re saying. Plus it conveys a lack of respect, which you want to avoid with your elderly loved one. Instead of shouting, speak clearly and don’t rush through what you’re saying.
Make Eye Contact
If you’re trying to communicate with your loved one from across the room or even from another room entirely, you’ve probably already learned that doesn’t work well. Instead, face your loved one and make eye contact. If she has other issues, such as vision problems, it’s better still to approach her and make sure that you have that face-to-face contact as you’re trying to talk with her.
Minimize Background Noise
Background noise can create a barrier for your loved one that your voice may not be able to break through. If the television or radio are on, it’s best to briefly turn them down while trying to talk. For crowded spaces, try moving to another location or leaning closer to your loved one. Keep in mind that depending on your loved one’s hearing loss, other sounds can also cause problems in the background, such as lawn equipment outside or the washing machine running inside.
Remember that Hearing Aids Are Just a Tool
Hearing aids are an incredible invention and they may be able to help your elderly loved one far more than you ever suspected they would. But it’s important to keep in mind that they’re simply a tool. They can malfunction or your loved one might not find it comfortable to wear. Work with your loved one to make sure that her hearing aids are actually doing their job for her.
If you and your loved one are still having trouble communicating, ask her senior care providers for additional tips that might work for her specific situation.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME SENIOR CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.