Elderly’s hearing loss occurs very gradually, so our loved ones may not easily realize the fact that they are losing their ability to hear. Through time, humans lose their hearing ability simply because of long exposure to loud sounds or deterioration of sensory hair cells in the cochlea of the ears due to old age.
For the Filipino live-in caregivers and Indonesian live-in caregivers, talking to an elderly with hearing loss is a huge challenge that they need to overcome through proper guidelines on how to communicate effectively.
Eden Grace Caregivers would like to share these useful tips on how to easily communicate with the elderly patient. We hope it helps!
1. Minimize unnecessary noise distractions.
A loud background noise is too bad in all kinds of conversations! Before encouraging the elderly to take her medicine, caregivers must first lower the volume of the TV show she is watching. This contributes a lot to miscommunication.
2. Get their attention first.
If the elderly is too occupied with something, she may not hear what the caregiver is saying. Before proceeding to the conversation, caregivers should call the attention of the elderly and make sure she is attentive.
Caregivers can call her by name so she may know that she is being addressed.
3. Face the elderly directly.
Urge the caregiver to not talk across the room or behind the elderly patient. Facing the elderly directly and having an eye contact is the most effective position when speaking with someone with hearing impairment.
4. Speak one at a time.
There are moments when the employer and the caregiver need to talk to the elderly patient. In times like this, both guardians must make sure to take turns on talking. Caregivers must try to make sure people would speak one at a time to the elderly.
5. Speak clearly and loudly.
It is important that the speaker’s face isn’t covered with anything and her mouth has no chewing gum or food. Eating may get in the way of communication if we are not careful.
The caregiver’s volume should be loud but not to the point of yelling. The caregiver must also talk in a reasonable speed and make sure not to over enunciate the words.
6. Say it again differently.
If the elderly patient didn’t understand the words of the caregiver. The caregiver can repeat herself for a number of times. If the elderly still has difficulty in hearing what was being said, the caregiver may rephrase her sentence to a shorter and simpler sentence.
7. Pay attention to the elderly patient.
The hearing-impaired person may show a certain facial expression for response. As a listener, look at her closely and try to decipher the look on her face. Does the elderly patient look puzzled? Does she look disapproving? This way, a caregiver may know if there is a misunderstanding.
We wish you a fun and effective communication with you loved ones!
Please contact us for a fuss free consultation with our unique personal screenings of our maids. We look forward to serving you!
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