Sometimes older people withdraw into themselves, are stubborn and don’t want to listen. Even in these cases, effective and meaningful communication is possible. Learn 8 effective strategies for building trust and understanding, including nonverbal cues, patience, and encouragement of self-expression. Improve your caregiving skills today.

I. Our main recommendations

• Be respectful
• Listen actively 
• Use simple language 
• Be patient 
• Repetition 
• Show empathy 
• Use non-verbal communication 
• Encourage self-expression

II. Conclusion

Main tips to be listened to

1. Our main recommendations

1. Be respectful
2. Listen actively 
3. Use simple language 
4. Be patient 
5. Repetition 
6. Show empathy 
7. Use non-verbal communication 
8. Encourage self-expression 

Effective communication is essential for caregivers when interacting with seniors and elderly parents. However, it can be challenging when the individual is resistant to listening. In this article, we will explore several strategies to improve communication based on the study and experience of real people. 

54% of asked elderly have confirmed that being patient is the effective way to communicate.

Caregiver survey

Tip 1: Be Respectful

Being respectful is crucial to effective communication with seniors and elderly parents who don’t want to listen. 

Avoid belittling

One way to show respect is to avoid belittling or talking down to them. Seniors may feel disrespected or dismissed if they feel that their opinions and feelings are not being taken seriously. It’s important to avoid using condescending language or making assumptions about their abilities or knowledge.

Let them make decisions. 

Another way to show respect is to allow them to make their own decisions. Seniors and elderly parents may feel that their autonomy is being taken away if they are not given the opportunity to make their own choices. Allowing them to make their own decisions, within reason, can help to maintain their dignity and self-respect.

You should also remember that seniors and elderly parents have lived long lives and have their own experiences and perspectives. Respect for their opinions and feelings is crucial in building trust and fostering effective communication. Avoid belittling or talking down to them.

Tip 2: Listen actively

Active listening has a powerful effect on communication with seniors and elderly parents who don’t want to listen.

Pay attention

 It involves paying attention to what the senior is saying and responding in a way that shows you understand and care.

Avoid interruption 

One way to practice active listening is to avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences for them. Seniors may feel rushed or dismissed if they feel that their thoughts and feelings are not being fully heard. Instead, give them the time and space to express themselves fully.

Ask questions 

Another way to practice active listening is to ask questions. Asking open-ended questions can help to encourage the seniors to share their thoughts and feelings. It can also help to clarify any misunderstandings.

In addition, when communicating with seniors with cognitive impairment or dementia, it’s important to be patient and understanding. They may need more time to process information and may have difficulty expressing themselves. Active listening can help to improve communication and understanding in this situation.

Tip 3: Use simple language

Seniors may have difficulty understanding complex language or medical jargon, so it’s important to keep explanations and instructions simple and easy to understand.

Avoid technical or medical terms 

One way to use simple language is to avoid using technical or medical terms that may be unfamiliar to the senior. Instead, use everyday words and phrases that the senior is likely to understand. For example, instead of saying “You have a urinary tract infection,” you can say “You have an infection in your kidney and bladder.”

Use language that is easy to understand 

Another way to use simple language is to avoid using abstract or metaphorical language that may be confusing. Instead, use concrete and specific language that is easy for the senior to understand. For example, instead of saying “You need to take your medication,” you can say “You need to swallow these pills with water.”

Speak clearly 

It’s better to speak clearly and at a pace that the senior can understand. Seniors may have hearing loss or difficulty processing information quickly, so it’s important to speak clearly and at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Tip 4: Be patient

Being patient is useful in the moments when seniors don´t want to listen. Effective communication takes time and patience, and seniors may process information more slowly and may need more time to respond.

Give them enough time 

One way to be patient is to allow the senior enough time to understand and respond to what you are saying. Seniors may need more time to process information, so it’s important not to rush them or make them feel pressured to respond quickly.

Tip 5: Repetition

Repetition is an important aspect of effective communication with seniors and elderly parents who don’t want to listen. In addition, it can be helpful for the elderly who have memory difficulties.

Repeat multiple times 

It is very effective to repeat important information several times and in different ways. For example, if you are explaining how and when to take medication, you can repeat the instructions verbally and also provide written instructions. This helps ensure that the senior understands and remembers the information.

Use visual aids

Another tip is to use visual aids such as diagrams or pictures to supplement verbal instructions. This can help to make the information more concrete and easier to understand.

It’s also important to check for understanding when using repetition. Ask the senior to repeat the information to you or ask them questions to gauge their understanding. This can help to identify any misunderstandings or confusion.

Tip 6: Show empathy

It involves putting yourself in the senior’s shoes and understanding their perspective.

One way to show empathy is to listen actively and try to understand the senior’s feelings and concerns. This can help to build trust and understanding between you and the senior.

Another way to show empathy is to validate the senior’s feelings and concerns. Acknowledge that the senior’s feelings are valid and that you understand how they are feeling. This can help to make the senior feel heard and understood.

Tip 7: Use non-verbal communication

Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, and can be very powerful in communicating with seniors.

One way to use nonverbal communication is to pay attention to your own nonverbal cues and use them to reinforce your message. For example, maintaining eye contact and smiling can convey friendliness and openness.

Another way to use nonverbal communication is to be aware of the senior’s nonverbal cues. Pay attention to their facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice to understand what they may be feeling or thinking. This can help to improve communication and understanding.

It’s also important to be aware of cultural and societal differences when using nonverbal communication. Different cultures may have different norms for nonverbal communication, and it’s important to be aware of these differences to avoid misunderstandings.

Tip 8: Encourage self-expression

Seniors may be more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings if they feel comfortable and safe.

One way to encourage self-expression is to create a safe and comfortable environment for the seniors. This can include ensuring privacy, reducing distractions, and providing a comfortable seating arrangement.

Another way to encourage self-expression is to actively listen to the seniors and show interest in what they have to say. Ask open-ended questions and give the seniors time to express themselves fully. Showing that you value their thoughts and feelings can help to create a sense of trust and encourage self-expression.

By implementing these strategies, caregivers can improve communication with seniors and elderly parents who may be resistant to listening. By building trust, showing empathy, and being patient, caregivers can ensure that the needs of the seniors are being met and that they are receiving the best possible care.

2. Conclusion

Effective communication with seniors and elderly parents who don’t want to listen can be a challenge for caregivers. However, by implementing the strategies discussed in this article, caregivers can improve communication and ensure that the needs of the seniors are being met. 

Building trust, showing empathy, and being patient is key to effective communication with resistant seniors. Remember that every person is unique, and it’s important to adapt to the individual’s communication style and seek professional help when necessary.