Speaking to Your Senior with Respect During National Words Matter Week

Senior Care Lexington NC

Language is one of the most powerful tools that you have, particularly in your role as a family caregiver. What you say to your senior parent and how you say it makes a tremendous impact in how your parent receives the care that you give them, and the quality of the relationship that you will enjoy throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them.

March 5 through 11 is National Words Matter Week. This observance is set aside as an opportunity for people to truly evaluate and understand the importance and power of words, and to take the time to learn the skills that enables them to use their language more effectively. When it comes to your role as a family caregiver, the language that you choose to use should be something that you think about every day, and that you put great consideration into with every interaction and care efforts that you put forth.

Use these tips to speak to your senior with respect during National Words Matter Week:

• Speak regularly. The words that you do not use are just as impactful as the words you do. Even if you are only going to be in your parent’s home for a few moments or are making a brief call to ask them a question, do not not be short with them. Greet them, talk to them, and show them that you care.

• Express your affection. When you care for your parent it is easy for your parent-child relationship to begin to suffer, at least in the perspective of your senior. Take the time to express your affection and appreciation for your loved one as part of your normal routine for them. Remind them through your words that you are not just caring for them out of obligation, but because you love them and want what is best for them.

• Do not speak to them like a child. Regardless of the challenges that your senior is facing, or the care efforts that you have to put forth for them, your parent is an adult and deserves to be spoken to as such. Do not use language that is condescending or that you would use with a child. Use respectful, dignified words that do not embarrass or upset your senior.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be an exceptional way to help them pursue and maintain a higher quality of life as they age in place. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging loved one on a customized schedule that is designed around not just their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, but also their beliefs, thoughts, preferences, and goals, and the amount of care that you are able to give them.

This means that they can stay safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy while also pursuing as much independence, activity, and engagement as possible as they age in place. The highly personalized services of a senior home care services provider are designed to give your parent respect, dignity, and compassion no matter what their challenges or limitations. Through this type of support, care, and nurturing, this care provider can encourage better mental and emotional health and well-being as they age in place.

Source:  http://wordsmatter.naiwe.com/

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.