Communication skills with the elderly

Use of Appropriate Skills Under Different Situations

Influential Factors		Communication Skills
Physical Aspects	i). Hearing Deterioration in hearing	Go nearer to the elder to speak Speak with a slower pace Encourage the elder to use appropriate hearing aid Use gestures and facial expressions Use diagrams, or write down the message for the elder to read
	ii). Vision Cataract and long-sightedness are common problems	Introduce the environment and the people around
Psychological Aspect	i) Thinking – Difference in the way of thinking- Prejudice ii) Mood – Can affect the quality of communication	Appreciate the standpoint and feelings of others from their angle Immediate feedback and confirmation to reduce misunderstandings Exchange of opinions so as to reach agreement Beware of whether your opinion is logical and based on reason Do not allow illogical beliefs to affect your judgment and analysis. Pay attention to each other’s mood Be considerate and soothe the emotions