Loneliness and social isolation are serious concerns for the elderly and can have a really big impact on a senior’s physical well-being, mental health, and quality of life in the long run. Communication plays a big role in improving these aspects of a senior’s life.

When communicating with the elderly, there are two guiding principles to remember:

  • Communication is two-way

The listener and speaker are both responsible for bettering the way they communicate with each other. Each conversation is a collaborative effort. Listening to each other is crucial.

  • There is a need to adjust to limitations

When speaking to someone with a hearing impairment, for example, talking in a quiet room is usually more effective. Assistive hearing devices also improve communication.

Understanding Communication

Looking after and having successful relationships with seniors usually needs unique communication skills and strategies.

Effective communication with the elderly in Long Term Care and Retirement residences is of pivotal importance to their overall well-being. How the message is communicated affects the perceived value directly. Hence, if the presentation is more professional, the message sounds more credible to the listener.

Also, in a senior living community, staying connected and having communication lines open can create some major lifestyle and health benefits for older adults. Studies have shown that seniors who communicate with family members or people in their community on a regular basis experience better health and more happiness – and have lower rates of lifelong illness, less depression and anxiety, increased mobility, better cognitive health, and even increased longevity.

When Should You Consider Moving into a Senior Living Community?

Most elderly experience difficulty with reading, writing, hearing, and general communication skills. We cannot verbally or non-verbally communicate with them as we do with our peers. As people age, they usually become harder to understand. They may have numerous physical or mental sicknesses, differences in viewpoints or ideas, or other problems that may cause it to be difficult to communicate. They may have a cognitive impairment such as dementia, so they struggle to care for themselves. Environmental changes may also affect their communication.

It is important as a caregiver to know when to seek help. Handling an elderly loved one’s care plan can be too much to cope with, especially if he/she needs more social support than you can offer, or if he/she struggles with hearing, speaking, or communicating.

In this case, your elderly loved one can benefit from the assistance of professional companionship, which staff at a senior living community can provide. By using professional communication techniques and strategies, the staff can improve the elder’s chances of receiving the message and improve the relationship.

Why Choose Discovery Commons Virginia Beach’s Senior Living Community?

With our fine chef-cooked meals, customized care, and dedicated attention to our seniors, you can entrust your family members with us, receiving the finest care that we can offer. Elderly with dementia and other memory-related conditions need compassion and guidance from us.

To learn more about Discovery Commons Virginia Beach, contact us or call us at 757.919.4322 today.