Caregiver Tips: Become a Better Communicator

Caregivers  |  May 7, 2021

Become a Better Communicator | Strong communication skills are a necessity for caregivers. Yet too often we fall into the same old communication ruts. Sometimes this is because of stress and fatigue. Sometimes this is because we feel we know “what’s best” for our parent or loved one, so we dismiss many of their concerns. We talk, but we don’t really take the time to understand what our parent or loved one is trying to tell us.

Here are three quick tips to help improve caregiver communication skills:

Listen to Hear – This is basic but often overlooked. Really listen to hear what your parent or loved one is trying to express. Then, respond accordingly. Don’t dismiss their feelings and always ask for input on decisions that affect them directly. Even if change is inevitable, it’s important to make sure they feel like they’ve been heard.

Non-Verbal Communication is Important – Much of the way humans communicate is non-verbal. It’s important then to actively look for non-verbal clues as to what your parent or loved one is trying to tell you. The way they talk, the amount of engagement they have with you, even the things they’re not saying can all have an impact on your conversation.

Respond Rather Than React – Reacting comes from a place of emotion and family history. You feel like you’ve had this same conversation a thousand times! But when you check out of the conversation, you miss what your parent or loved one is really trying to say. Take a moment to truly understand what they want in the here and now, and respond to that immediate need.

You can learn more about how to improve your caregiver communication skills at the Think Aging website.

Stress and fatigue can impact the way you communicate with your parent or loved one. An easy way to relieve that stress is to simply get some help. Comfort Keepers has flexible in-home care services that can give you the support you need, when you need it.

Comfort Keepers® Georgian Triangle Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering Dementia Care and Palliative Care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle office.

Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle, is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of Accreditation Canada’s, Accreditation Primer Award. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca. Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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