What are the factors to ensure effective communication in the elderly?

Question

What are the factors to ensure effective communication in the elderly?

Answer 1

*Listen*

Answer 2

Mainly that just because physically they are two doesn't mean their minds are. if the elderly serve no other purpose they exercise our compassion and our sense of comminity service..if you don't use it  you lose it.

Answer 3

Speak slowly, clearly, loudly while looking them in the face.  Make sure that you are using terms they understand and can relate to.  Don't appear to be talking down to them, and ask them frequently if they can hear you and can understand what you are saying.

Answer 4

I'm hard of hearing. Yelling helps a lot as hearing aids are too expensive. Pocket talker works fairly good.

Answer 5

Hearing aides.

Answer 6

communication is a two way street -- but both players have to be on equal footing so it it requires aides for hearing or glasses for visual effects ensure all parties have these -- next ensure both parties are talking on a level that both understand!!!

Answer 7

Be sure they don't have dementia.

Answer 8

Good hearing aids . . . .no seriously, it is you instilling you sincerity in their well being that brings out the communication !  

Answer 9

Hearing aids are good if they will wear them (can afford them) but also avoiding places with a lot of background noise (leave off the tv and radio, avoid noisy restaurants), and get the attention of the person you are talking to before you start talking.  And for those who have some dementia symptoms sometimes just letting them listen to others is easier for them than expecting interactive conversation, so they can laugh or nod but not have to say much.