Approximately half of adults beyond the age of 75 have some level of hearing loss. While hearing loss is often viewed as part of the aging process and a minor annoyance, not being able to effectively communicate with others can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.
When older adults lose their hearing abilities, conversations become difficult to understand, leaving some seniors feeling confused, embarrassed, or even upset because they don’t know what’s going on. As a result, they may retreat to the privacy of their homes where they feel safe, no longer wanting to attend group activities or engage in beloved pastimes. Watching a senior loved one experience these age-related changes can be difficult to watch. Fortunately, there are ways to help. Here are some tips for communicating with the hearing impaired.
Eliminate Background Noise
When communicating with your loved one, eliminate unnecessary background noise. For instance, turn off the television, radio, and loud household appliances. When visiting a restaurant, avoid seating your loved one near a bustling kitchen or a large group of noisy patrons. If your family attends a place of worship, consider relocating to seats near the front of the building.
Hearing loss and other age-related conditions could make it challenging for your loved one to live alone at home safely. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Barrie seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
Be Expressive
To help your loved one understand what you’re saying, communicate expressively. Try to get your point across by using animated facial expressions and hand gestures. To be seen, you should always face your loved one when talking with him or her. You should also turn on the lights in the room so your expressions can be highlighted.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Take Turns Speaking
When your loved one is in a group setting, ensure people take turns speaking instead of everyone talking at once. When several people talk simultaneously, your loved one might become confused and tune out of the conversation.
Repeat Yourself if Needed
If your loved one is having difficulty comprehending what you’re saying, don’t hesitate to repeat yourself. Consider slightly raising your voice. However, avoid the urge to shout at your loved one. Before repeating yourself, think about how you can say what you’re trying to communicate more succinctly and convey your message in fewer words.
Hearing impairment can have negative effects on an aging adult’s overall health and wellbeing. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care Barrie families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licenced, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at 647-970-3803 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.