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Carers'
Corner |
Skilful
Communication with Elders
With
the gradual aging of the population in Hong Kong, our contact with elders
also increases. In our interaction with elders, effective communication
can not only reduce misunderstandings, conflicts and stress; it is also
important in maintaining a cheerful mood and in promoting good interpersonal
relationships.
I. Communication with Elders
In
communicating with elders, pay attention to the physical, psychological
and environmental factors in individual situations, and apply appropriate
communication skills accordingly. Thoughtfulness as well as appropriate
time arrangement is essential.
II. Communication Skills
| 1. |
Listening |
- Listen
patiently with our ears
- Understand
thoughtfully with our heart
- Comprehend
the concealed meaning with our mind
|
| 2. |
Techniques
in Conversation and Use of Language |
| |
(i)
Techniques in Conversation |
- Appropriate
speed and tone of talking:
-
Adjust the speed and tone of talking according to the elder's
need
-
e.g. talk with elders with dementia with a slower pace; while
talking loudly with elders with hearing problem, be cautious
with the tone to avoid the misunderstanding that they were
being scolded
- Appropriate
questioning:
-
e.g. use leading questions to elicit elders' "yes"
or "no" reply
- Give
others the chance to talk:
-
e.g. avoid dominating the conversation, encourage elders to
take an active role instead
- Change
topics skilfully:
-
Make use of surrounding objects to change the topic when the
elder found the conversation uninteresting
-
e.g. "Who bought you this special dress?"
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(ii)
Use of Language |
-
Use simple and concrete words
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e.g. use "take one fruit after each meal" to replace
"take more fiber"
- Use
short and simple sentences
-
e.g. one message in each sentence
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| 3. |
Techniques of Non -Verbal Communication |
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-
Attitude: be friendly, kind, sincere and respectful, avoid being
inpatient, indifferent or contemptuous
- Eye
contact: keep eye contact
- Facial
expression: reflect different moods
- Posture
and gesture: e.g. nodding, appropriate movements, appropriate
positioning of chairs
- Touch:
e.g. holding hands, patting the hand, embracing
(Caution: apply the skill of touch appropriately, taking
into consideration the sex of the elder, and your relationship
with him/her)
- Use
of diagrams and actual objects:
e.g. to ask an elder with impairment of language function to take
a bath, make use of the picture of a shower
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III. Use of Appropriate Skills under Different Situations
| Influential
Factors |
Communication
Skills |
1.
Physical
Aspect
|
i)
Hearing
- Deterioration in hearing
ii). Vision
- Cataract and long-sightedness are common problems |
-
Speak in a louder voice
- 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.
-
Introduce the environment and the people around
|
| 2.
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
|
| 3.
Environmental Aspect |
i)
Disturbance
- Will affect concentration
ii) Privacy
- Especially important when personal or confidential topics are
involved
iii)
Adequacy of time
- Can facilitate clarity in communication |
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Reduce the noise and disturbance in the environment
- Provide
a comfortable environment
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Maintain privacy to provide a sense of security
-
Appropriate time arrangement
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In
communicating with elders, we must try to be understanding and to be adept
at expressing ourselves. The effect of communication is the result of
mutual influence, just like a mirror. The accomplishment of good communication
relies on effort from both parties.
Related
Topics
Ageing
Mental
Health
Reference
:
Resource
Book on Psychosocial Health Promotion in the Elderly (Traditional
Chinese Only)
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