What is important to know about helping the elderly?

1. Everything is according to plan Older people often exaggerate the importance of events. Such a trifle as a telephone conversation or a trip to the store, for a person 65+ can be a plan for the whole day. Your sudden arrival can be a source of stress, so it is important to agree in advance on the day and time of the visit or phone call. This will give them time to prepare and tune in. 2. The need to speak out The peculiarity of the psychology of the elderly is the desire to return to the time when they were young and energetic. As a rule, in a conversation they indulge in memories and focus on one topic. It's hard for them to switch to another line of conversation. The volunteer is advised to listen to an elderly person, and then smoothly change the direction of the conversation. 3. Disturbing feelings Deterioration of health and the inability to perform some actions on their own most often cause the elderly a feeling of inferiority and the feeling that they are superfluous. The task of the volunteer is to help them avoid stressful situations, try to increase their self-esteem. Talk to an elderly person calmly, in no case remind him of his age. Moreover, try to praise for any achievements. This way he will feel confident and able to do something useful, even if, in your opinion, insignificant. 4. Aggression There is no need to argue and prove your case. Such behavior can provoke aggression in your ward. If it does happen, be calm. You shouldn't try to solve a conflict when an elderly person is angry. We should wait for the aggression to come to naught. 5. Touchiness Older people can be not only aggressive, but also excessively touchy. One carelessly spoken word can deeply hurt them. Therefore, communication should be built in a very correct and respectful form, listen carefully to the end of the interlocutor. 6. Perception of information Hearing and attention problems worsen with age. Therefore, when talking to the elderly, your speech should be clear and articulated. Speak loud enough, but don't scream. If you see that you are not understood, paraphrase and repeat your sentence. Try to choose simple expressions that can be easily perceived. 7. Attitude You should always maintain a friendly attitude, do not forget to speak clearly and slowly. Pause between questions and phrases - this will give the elderly person the opportunity to better understand the question and formulate the answer.