Speaking to a senior the same way you’d speak to your friends of the same age might not yield the best results. If you’re looking to have a successful conversation with an older adult, there are some best practices to follow.

Be Patient
It’s possible for some seniors to be forgetful, slow-moving, and apathetic during a conversation. This can lead you to become frustrated and slightly annoyed when trying to carry a conversation. When you feel these emotions rising, take a deep breath and try to put yourself in their shoes. It’s not always easy growing old so it helps to feel some empathy towards them.

Always Ask, Never Order
You need to show respect to the person you’re talking to, especially if they are older than you. With seniors, never order them to do something — simply ask them instead. Rather than telling them what they will be doing that day, ask them what they would like to do. Even if they are limited with what they can do physically, still allow them to make their own choices.

Lay Out Options
When your elderly loved one is limited with their daily activities, you want them to make their own decisions. If you don’t want to ask them what they would like to do, lay out some options for them to pick. This way they can choose what they want to do, but from a selection you supplied. A simple, “would you like to do this or that?, can go a long way for the happiness of your loved one.

Having simple and open communication with the seniors in your life is important, as they can offer wisdom, life stories, and most of all — great company! For other useful tips and information, visit our blog! If you’re interested in learning more, or visiting The Arbors Assisted Living community, schedule a tour by contacting one of our five convenient locations:

Bohemia
Hauppauge
Islandia East
Islandia West
Westbury