Have you ever poured your heart out to someone only to have them respond by turning the conversation right back to themselves? Nothing is more frustrating! Part of developing good communication skills is to learn that sometimes the best advice is no advice at all, and that all most of us really want is for someone to listen to us. This not only applies to family and friends but when caring for patients, as well.
Elderly and ill patients sometimes get angry - and why shouldn’t they? They are often left out of the loop during the decision making process. This leaves them feeling powerless over their own lives. One of the ways to prevent this, is to always include your patient in any discussion that involves them. But this does not mean having them sit silently while someone else dictates their life. Even the most confused patient has a desire to be heard.
Active listening is a communication technique that involves listening and then responding compassionately to others. Active listening encourages people to open up and share their feelings. It can also help to resolve conflict and build trust.
The first step to active listening is paying close attention to the body language of the other person. This helps you have a clearer understanding of what they are trying to say. For example, if Mr. Smith is clenching his fists, crossing his legs and arms and gritting his teeth, his body language is telling you something - he is not a happy camper and is probably very angry. Be cognizant of his anger and then ask Mr. Smith to share his feelings.
Before responding make sure you understand the message he is trying to convey. When you think you have accomplished this, paraphrase Mr. Smith’s words back to him. For example, if Mr. Smith tells you he refuses to take his medication because he thinks his doctor is out to get him, state in your own words what you think Mr. Smith has just said. You might say something like this: “Mr. Smith, you seem to be very upset with your doctor today and because of this, I am hearing that you don’t want to take your medications. Can you tell me a little more about this”?
You don’t have to necessarily agree with Mr. Smith, but paraphrasing his own words back to him will let him know that you heard his message loud and clear and that you are willing to listen and help him resolve his feelings. This not only improves communication but allows for a better patient-caregiver relationship.
Tags: assisted living, caregiving, dementia, mental health, rememberitnow, seniors
