Caregivers of individuals can improve the quality of the care they provide by speaking with the individual in a different way. Simple language changes can help individuals feel heard and understood. Here are a few important ways that modifying language can greatly benefit care recipients.
Good communication is integral to helping individuals. People are more likely to adhere to a care plan, experience better outcomes, or feel satisfied with the care they receive. Caregivers who make an effort to communicate respectfully are better able to build relationships with care recipients.
Communication skills can be learned by caregivers of all experience levels. The importance of interpersonal communication skills cannot be emphasized enough. Caregivers who learn and practice communication techniques build strong bonds with the individuals they care for and even become more skilled in care management.
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Address individuals respectfully
Rather than casually refer to a care recipients as “hon,” “dear” or other patronizing terms, ask them how they would like to be called. Some individuals may prefer formal terms of address. Consider addressing the care recipients as “Mr.” or “Ms.”
Another way of showing respect toward care recipients is to use their name regularly. Caregivers who refer to individuals based on the care they need tend to dehumanize them. Calling individuals by their name helps caregivers remember they are caring for a feeling and thinking person.
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Establish rapport
New caregivers especially are advised to introduce themselves clearly and slowly. Express from the start that care is a priority and that the individuals’ concerns are important. In the event introductions have been made but individuals have trouble recalling, caregivers are encouraged to reintroduce themselves.
Rapport may be promoted by asking new care recipients a few basic questions, such as “Do you have family nearby?” or “Are you from this area?” Returning caregivers can relieve the individuals’ feelings of stress by chatting about their families or activities.
Learning about individuals’ hobbies or life histories helps caregivers form a connection. When caregivers limit their interactions to times when they help the individual with particular tasks, they miss an opportunity to find out more about the person for whom they are providing care.
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Speak clearly and slowly
Enthusiastic caregivers may initially start out with rapid-fire questions. At times individuals will have difficulty answering due to being unable to follow the torrent of information. Caregiver accents, too, can make responding to questions a challenge, especially if the individual speak in a different one.
Instead, slow down when speaking to the care recipient. Allow the individual time to process what has just been spoken or asked. Firstly, give individuals time to understand the question or statement and secondly, give them time to consider a fitting response.
While speaking slowly to individuals improves communication, so does time spent discussing concerns. Caregivers are urged to gather important information about care from the individual, which is more likely to lead to improved cooperation and adherence to the care plan.
Do not rush the care recipient as they speak, since they will unlikely feel heard or understood. Some individuals may have a tendency to minimize concerns, so caregivers should make time to listen. Similarly, avoid interrupting the care recipient while they speak, which can cause them to not reveal all of their concerns.
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Practice active listening skills
Active listening skills include responding briefly to individuals’ concerns, such as with “I see” or “okay.” Furthermore, caregivers are encouraged to face their care recipients when they speak and maintain eye contact with them. These techniques help care recipients feel their concerns are understood.
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Use language that demonstrates empathy
Empathy is important in the caregiver/care recipient relationship. Studies show that empathy can be learned and practiced. Caregivers should look for opportunities to respond to the individuals’ emotions with empathy: “I’m sorry you are having this issue; we can work on this together.”
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Use language carefully
Using simple and common language is advised when communicating with individuals. Generational and cultural language differences can potentially cause the care recipient to misinterpret the intended meaning. Some people may interpret the word “dementia” to mean insanity, for instance.
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Compensate for hearing deficits
It is not uncommon for care recipient to be affected by hearing impairments. When individuals have difficulty hearing numbers and letters, caregivers should give context for words: “m” as in “Mary” or “five-six” for “fifty-six.” Speak carefully when letters sound alike, such as “m” and “n” or “d” and “t.”
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Focus on one idea at a time
When speaking on a particular subject, keep sentences short and simple. Caregivers who are about to change the subject should let the care recipient know. Clues can be helpful, such as briefly pausing, asking a question, or speaking slightly louder (however, do not yell, as this can be interpreted as anger).
Improving care can be accomplished by making the above mentioned simple language changes. Individuals enjoy greater satisfaction with care when they feel heard. When the care recipient in your life needs professional care from experienced caregivers, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond.
Assisting Hands Home Care
Serving Richmond Virginia and the Surrounding Areas
Our home care agency is staffed with a team of licensed, bonded, and insured Caregivers who possess the skills to communicate effectively with individuals. The quality attention we give to care recipients promotes a stronger relationship and improved adherence to the care plan.
Examples of core responsibilities our Caregivers perform on a daily basis include assistance with personal hygiene tasks, such as grooming, dressing and bathing, transportation to doctors’ offices and errands, shopping for groceries, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and companionship.
The care options from Assisting Hands Home Care are diverse and include post-surgical care, respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, overnight care, and live-in care. A flexible care plan will be prepared to address all current care needs and adjusted as care needs change over time.
Give your loved one quality care at home by choosing Assisting Hands Home Care. We provide unwavering non-medical support to promote the physical and emotional well-being of individuals in Richmond, Virginia. Call us today to schedule an in-home consultation and start your customized homecare.
