So many things become that much more difficult for your elderly family member at the end of her life. She may not be able to get out of bed or to do all of the things that she used to love doing. Communication also becomes more difficult, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t need to be involved in some conversations and decisions.

Practice Patience Always

The more impatient you are, the more difficult it is going to be for you to understand your elderly family member’s needs and to communicate your own to her. Look at your common triggers for impatience and make sure that you’re meeting your own needs before you try to communicate with her.

Keep Your Tone Even and Calm

Your tone of voice is the most important aspect of communicating with anyone in your life, but it’s especially true when you’re talking to your aging adult at the end of her life. No matter how frustrated you are with the situation or with anyone else, it’s vital to keep your tone even, calm, and pleasant when you’re talking to your elderly family member.

Talk to Your Senior, Even if She Can’t Talk

Talking to your aging adult helps to anchor her in the here and now. Even if she has a difficult time talking to you, keep talking to her. You can let her know what the weather is like or what happy news stories are going on in your town. Mention people that she loves or read her favorite books to her. Your voice can be a welcome distraction for her.

Wait for Responses

Keep in mind that now, in the end of her life, your elderly family member’s brain may be operating a little more slowly. It’s also more difficult for her to formulate sentences and to give you the signs that you need in order to know what she wants. This is where patience comes in again. Give your aging adult plenty of time to process what you’re saying and give you an answer.

End-of-life care providers can help you to figure out other tips that can help in your aging family member’s specific situation. They’ve got plenty of experience with these sorts of issues and can help serve as a go-between for you and your senior.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering end-of-life care in Philadelphia, PA, please contact the caring staff at Serenity Hospice today. Call (215) 867-5405.