Caregiving Monday: Connecting with Senior Adults

Do you struggle to connect with your senior adult?

Put yourself in his/her shoes—try to understand the limitations and what the loved one is feelingconnecting

Celebrate their achievements—acknowledge and celebrate the small day to day abilities and challenges that are accomplished

Understand—understand what your loved one is going through; don’t push them to do things beyond their capabilities

Find nonverbal ways to communicate—let the person know you care through a hand on the shoulder, alternatives for communication, looking into their eyes, remaining calm, other ways to soothe or touch, etc.

Share memories—reminisce about events when you were younger and growing up

How do you connect with your senior adult?