As our parents age, they may communicate with us less.

Their abilities to carry on a conversation, absorb information, and to understand may become diminished even if they don’t suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Here are 3 ways to help them focus better on what you are trying to say.

1. Talk to them lovingly.

Don’t lose patience with them and don’t remind them you’ve already had the same conversation moments before.

Don’t speak harshly and talk slower so your parent can assimilate the information.

Speaking louder will not solve the problem if deafness is not the cause.

2. Give gentle reminders such as names, if your parent is having trouble remembering.

Don’t laugh at gaffes.  This is something you need to remind teens and people outside your family who don’t understand your parent’s condition.

A wrong name or a silly statement may be  said and that shouldn’t be an invitation to laugh.  Your parent’s dignity and self worth may be damaged if that behavior is allowed.

3. Never force your parent to talk if she doesn’t want to.

Keep communication simple and open-ended.  Your parent may be getting the impression you’re testing her.  This will only make the situation worse.

Try to understand your parent’s frustration.  She is trying to remember names and recall words which is a challenge.

Helping your aging  parents communicate better comes from being better prepared.  Knowing ahead of time what to expect and treating the elderly with kindness makes for a much better care giving experience.    

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