Speaking with an older loved one may seem like a simple activity, yet most of us use inefficient communication tactics when we do it. It is easy to offend and disrespect our aging loved ones without even trying. If we take an approach that is respectful of older people, we will not run into these problems. Here are several mistakes you should avoid when discussing with your aging parents about making a move to assisted living in Bexar County, TX.
Not Understanding Their Issues
It is inevitable that as we age, our habits will shift. It is possible that your loved one’s demands and expectations have changed as a result of subtle adjustments in the surroundings that you have been accustomed to ignoring.
You absolutely must alter your behavior to accommodate these changes. Your aging loved ones may need adjustments if they are affected by things like loud noises or bright lights. Make it simpler for them to follow the conversation using considerate gestures. Many older folks, for instance, rely on lip-reading devices to help them communicate. Make sure they can see your lips moving as you speak by not covering them.
Patronizing Them
No matter the age gap, it is always important to treat others with respect in conversations. When conversing with the elderly, though, we often do the opposite, coming across as disrespectful when we do not mean to.
This can show up in a variety of forms. While you may mean well when offering advice, a condescending tone will only irritate the other person and show disrespect. Assuming all people of advanced age are hard of hearing is a common faux pas. Speaking slowly, loudly, and repeating things might come out as incredibly insulting unless you know the person does indeed have a hearing impairment.
Likewise, respect their life experiences and emotions. They may be too rigid in their principles to adapt to new information and new ways of thinking. Even if you disagree with someone, that does not give you the right to dismiss their thoughts and experiences out of hand.
Not Practicing Patience
Everybody can become frustrated when talking to their aging parents sometimes. You may have experienced this while trying to explain a complex technological process to your older loved one or while listening to your relative rehash a story you have heard countless times.
But being impatient is a trait that can be easily picked up by your aging parents. They are as perceptive to nonverbal cues as you are to spoken ones, so they will pick up on your expressions of irritation and impatience. This can be really painful and inappropriate, making them feel like they are a burden on you and your time.
Be patient with your aging loved ones. They may be slower to react, require more time to learn new info, and have a less reliable recall than you do. Take care to anticipate their personal needs and exercise patience so as to avoid frustrating them.
