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Transportation Solutions for Caregivers: A Starting Point

Communication

| Introduction | Communication | Sensitivity | Preventing Agitation | Dealing with Agitation | Transportation Review | Providing Physical Assistance | Resources for Caregivers

Communication is the interaction between you and your loved one. As a caregiver, you are often in a position to set the stage for good communication. The major obstacle to effective communication is our natural tendency to judge, evaluate, approve or disapprove of the statements or actions of another person. When communication becomes emotional, as it often does among family and people close to us, it is even more important to make an effort to stay calm. Remember that our tolerance and understanding can be limited by anxiety or frustration.

Principles of Good Communication

• Use positive and helpful body language.
• Speak directly and clearly to your loved one.
• Be patient.
• Allow plenty of time for a response.
• Do not interrupt.
• Keep directions simple by explaining them one step at a time.
• Use easy to understand language.
• Don’t overwhelm the person with too much information.
• Be calm, or at least attempt to appear calm.
• Empathize. Try to put yourself in his/her place, so that you can see their point of view.
• Avoid argument and criticism. This puts others on the defensive.
• Ask questions. Encourage your loved one to talk, and show that you are listening.

If Your Loved One has a Hearing Impairment

• Face your loved one when you speak.
• Lower the pitch of your voice.
• Do not over-articulate.
• Rephrase your statements for clarity.
• Allow enough time for a response.
• Don’t shout. Shouting raises the pitch of your voice. Older people more often lose the ability to hear higher pitches than lower pitches.

The National Center on Senior Transportation is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and with guidance from the U.S. Administration on Aging. NCST is administered by Easter Seals Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).