| Good communication is essential to providing safe | | | | things alone sends a strong message about how |
| and effective care. As a caregiver you are | | | | much the conversation means to you. Put aside |
| involved in extremely high level communications | | | | multi-tasking! Stop texting, folding laundry or going |
| on a regular basis: with doctors, family members, | | | | through paperwork, and focus only on the |
| home health care providers, insurance companies, | | | | conversation.o Listen: When you really focus on |
| and of course, the person you're caring for. | | | | what the other person is saying, you will of |
| As a caregiver myself, I know that words are | | | | course be more able to respond in a thoughtful, |
| hard to find when there's been a bad diagnosis or | | | | meaningful way. Sharpening your listening skills will |
| a setback in treatment. This is scary and | | | | also help you be a better advocate for the |
| unfamiliar territory for most of us. Conversation | | | | person you're caring for. You will be able to move |
| can be tough to start when feelings of guilt, | | | | ahead with confidence that you are |
| worry and fear are swirling around inside. | | | | communicating their exact wishes to others in |
| If your loved one is dealing with depression or | | | | their circle of care. Listen critically so that you're |
| anxiety (which is quite normal during these life | | | | sure you're hearing what the person is actually |
| passages), you may feel shut out or like you just | | | | saying - instead of, perhaps, what you want to |
| can't say anything right. Trying to talk with | | | | hear.o Analyze: Watch the person you're talking |
| someone who doesn't want to let anyone in can | | | | with as they speak to you. Do their actions |
| be extremely frustrating. | | | | match their words? When we are scared, angry |
| Here are some tips to help you to maximize your | | | | or worried, we sometimes say things we don't |
| moments with your loved one:o Breathe: Pausing | | | | mean. Use your skills of analysis before you react. |
| for a good deep breath in and out will help you | | | | You may be able to pick up on a nervous |
| relax and pull your thoughts together. If | | | | expression or gesture that leads you to ask |
| communication becomes tense or difficult, another | | | | follow-up questions and get to the heart of what |
| deep breath will help to keep you calm and | | | | the person is really trying to say. |
| focused.o Focus: Pay attention to body language. | | | | Caregiving isn't always easy, but it comes with |
| These are the messages you send to others by | | | | benefits! Using the experience as an opportunity |
| the way you hold your body. Position your body | | | | to strengthen and deepen a relationship is one of |
| so that you are slightly leaning toward the person | | | | the big ones. |
| to show that you are engaged. Doing those two | | | | |