Communication Tips and Techniques for Caregivers

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Communication Tips and Techniques for Caregivers

• By Home Care Assistance of Greater New Haven

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• Effectively communicating with your loved can be
  one of the biggest challenges you face as a
  caregiver. You may be confronted with issues
  ranging from memory loss to hearing loss that can
  pose significant barriers to communication. The
  following are a few tips that may make your job
  just a little bit easier.

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Coping with Memory Loss

• Individuals with dementia often have trouble
  coming up with the right word during a
  conversation or remembering names of everyday
  objects. You can help your loved one by doing the
  following

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• If your loved one is struggling to find a word or
  complete a thought, offer a gentle suggestion or
  try to provide what they are needing.
• Jog your loved ones memory by pointing to
  objects or using pictures.
• Instead of giving detailed instructions on what
  to do, walk your loved one through the process.
• Provide frequent reminders regarding upcoming
  events. Many caregivers find it helpful to place
  a dry-erase board in a prominent place where they
  can provide their loved one with a visual
  reminder of the date, daily schedule, and
  important upcoming events.

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Coping with Hearing Loss

• The natural tendency when dealing with someone
  with a hearing impairment is to simply speak
  louder. This can actually be insulting and make
  you harder to understand. Instead, try the
  following techniques

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• Face the individual directly and ensure there is
  good lighting so that they can see your face
  clearly.
• Speak slowly and distinctly in an even tone.
• Avoid changing topics too rapidly.
• Be patient and give your loved one plenty of time
  to formulate their response to your questions.

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Be Present

• When engaging in a conversation with your loved
  one, try to create an environment where you can
  both give each other your undivided attention.

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• Choose a quiet environment free of excess
  background noise and distractions.
• Address your loved one by name before starting a
  conversation. This will help to draw their focus
  to you.
• Maintain eye contact so that your loved one knows
  that you are talking to them and are interested
  in what they have to say.
• Use gentle touch and physical contact to keep
  your loved ones attention focused on you and to
  provide reassurance.

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Nonverbal Communication

• Body language is just as an important part of
  communication as speech. The following are some
  ways to enhance nonverbal communication with your
  loved one

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• Maintain an appropriate distance. Your loved one
  may feel threatened or overwhelmed when crowded.
• Use gestures to indicate what you want.
• If all else fails, draw pictures or write out
  what you are trying to say.
• Finally, pause to take a deep breath if you find
  yourself becoming frustrated and avoid trying to
  reason or argue to prove your point. This will
  only result in your loved one feeling
  marginalized and devalued.

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Thank You!

• Address
• 51 River St, Milford, CT 06460
• Phone
• [phone]
• Presentation By
• www.homecareassistancenewhaven.com