Tips on Talking to Seniors

During the holiday season, we may be spending more time with older family members. Communicating with the seniors in our lives can sometimes be challenging. Physical and medical factors, such as hearing/vision loss, memory loss, or ill-fitting dentures, can leave the elderly feeling angry and frustrated when they are unable to keep up with even a simple conversation. They may feel lonely and isolated, and may fear a loss of control in their lives when asked to discuss personal matters. And ever-changing telephone technology presents its own obstacles to communication for the senior set. However, there are several strategies and skills we can use to ease the communication process with our loved ones and keep the stress level down.

Patience is probably the most essential tool of all when talking to the elderly. This includes listening carefully, not rushing the speaker, and never interrupting or finishing their sentences for them. Understand that the elderly may speak more slowly, and may be focused more on “reflecting” than “action.” Don’t try to rush the process or the speaker may become stubborn or resistant. If they are repeating the same stories, ask them for new details or further information.

Try to understand what’s important to your parents. Ask their opinion or tell them about your day. Pull out some family photos and ask questions about them. Ask seniors about their careers, military service, or the way they raised their family. Share in their grief, worry, or joy.

If talking about a concern, be sure to only bring up one issue at a time. Keep it simple. Ask questions and offer more than one acceptable solution. Give them a choice as to what they think is best. Remember that issues of control and independence become very important as we age; involve them in the decision process.

Use careful, thoughtful speech by speaking slowly and enunciating clearly. Use a calm tone. Treat the elderly with respect and avoid using patronizing language or tone.

Reduce background noise and distractions, such as the tv or radio. And be sure your loved one uses whatever assistive aids are available, including hearing aids, eyeglasses, or amplified telephone headsets.

When discussing something important with the senior, take notes for them to help them remember what was said. Rephrase important points, and ask questions to confirm they understood. Morning is usually best for discussions on important issues.

If understanding or being understood is a problem, ask for help from a family member or caregiver.

By making time and taking special care, we can ensure that our elderly loved ones feel heard and appreciated, and we can better enjoy the time we spend together.

Senior Helpers can provide caring in-home companions for your loved ones. For more information please visit our website at http://www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton.

Holiday Gifts for Seniors

Shopping for the seniors in our lives doesn’t have to be hard, it just takes a bit of creativity. Before you shop, there are a few important things to keep in mind: your loved one’s interests/hobbies, their capabilities (special needs or limited abilities), and your own budget. And gift giving doesn’t have to cost a lot, often gifts of our time and companionship mean the most.

Here are some gift-giving suggestions to get you started:
• Coupon book for fun activities or help with things around the house (for example, tickets to play or sports event; certificate for grooming services for their pet; organize their photos with them or make a memory book)
• Gift certificate (beauty salon, restaurant, movies, grocery store) or prepaid phone card
• Arrange for household help: cleaning, caregiving, decorating, lawn care
• Gift baskets: books, fruits, gardening supplies, stationery, games/puzzles/crosswords
• Homemade gifts & crafts are good personalized gifts: photo gifts (photo tote, digital pic frame), scrapbooks, silk flower arrangements
• Offer them transportation: either you driving them or a taxi service
• Medical related items: a pillbox/organizer, medical emergency notification system
• Large-print books or large-faced playing cards with card-holder
• Home gadgets/electronics
1. Large faced clocks
2. Flashing light doorbell
3. Big numbered phone or cell phone; sound-amplifying phone
4. Tv remote control with large numbers
5. Talking bathroom scale or talking alarm clock
6. Electronic talking calculator
7. Lighted magnifier/flashlight

• Make or purchase a shawl or throw for warmth
• Keep them warm: A space heater or a donation to the gas or electric bill
• A box of special food goodies that meets their dietary restrictions
• A special class for seniors (ask local Office of the Aging) ex. Genealogy, exercise
• Books on CD; an IPod; dvd collection of old tv shows they used to watch
• Massaging back pillow or neck roll, or a gel seat cushion
• A new robe, or sweatpants & shirt…easy to put on with no fastenings; warm & comfortable
• Hygiene items such as soaps, shampoos, lotions, lip balm
• Lap desk

Whatever you choose, be sure to make it a point to spend time with your senior and enjoy their company. Senior Helpers provides in-home care for seniors and can help take care of your loved one. Find out more at http://www.seniorhelpers.com/. Let’s make this a holiday season to remember!

Winter Tips for Seniors

The wintery weather has arrived! It is important to keep our seniors safe and healthy during the cold weather season, by taking some additional precautions and planning carefully. Check on your senior often, and consider the following chilly-weather tips:

• Dress warmly in loose-fitting clothes, in layers. Be sure to wear a hat & scarf. Mittens keep the hands warmer than gloves. Button or zip-up your coat.
• Watch out for frostbite and hypothermia, two of the biggest dangers for seniors in winter. Most susceptible body parts are fingers, toes, ear lobes, and noses. Look for numbness and a white cast to the skin, which indicate that warmth (not scalding) is required. To prevent hypothermia, keep the thermostat set at 65 degrees or above.
• Hold onto the railing when going down steps; sprinkle salt on them if it’s icy.
• Wear shoes that have a good rubber tread to avoid slips and falls.
• If using a cane, be sure the rubber tip is in good condition; if not, replace it.
• Always take your cell phone with you, in case of emergency
• Keep hydrated. Though it is easily forgotten, drinking water (6-8 glasses a day) is still important in the winter.
• Stock up on medications, food, and water. During periods of severe weather, seniors should not go out unless they absolutely have to.
• If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks. Cold weather and exercise both put additional strain on the heart, so be careful and rest when tired.
• Protect your skin with heavier, more protective creams and lotions. Skin loses moisture in the colder months, causing dryness and itching.

Senior Helpers can help care for your loved ones in their home, visit us at www.seniorhelpers.com