Did you know hearing impairment can have a negative effect on a person’s emotional wellbeing? Seniors may become isolated, depressed, or anxious due to an inability to hear others. If you notice your loved one has become withdrawn and you believe hearing loss is the source of the problem, here are a few tips for engaging your loved one.
Take the Right Approach
Communicating with someone with hearing loss isn’t as simple as raising your voice. This is a common mistake many people make, and it can leave seniors feeling as though they’re being talked down to, and in some cases, it can cause embarrassment. When communicating with hearing-impaired seniors, it’s best to face them directly and speak clearly. This helps many seniors with hearing loss because they can watch your lips as you speak.
Hearing loss and other age-related conditions could make it challenging for your loved one to live alone at home safely. Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Rhode Island seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
Choose Activities Carefully
A fun-filled family gathering may not be so enjoyable for those with hearing loss. They may not want to participate in events that require the ability to hear well. For example, your loved one may not want to play bingo if he or she cannot hear the numbers and letters being called out. To avoid experiencing embarrassment or frustration, your loved one may choose not to participate. Before selecting a particular activity, evaluate whether or not a hearing deficit will make the activity difficult.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Educate Your Family
When your loved one becomes discouraged as the result of the inability to hear well, there may be a host of outside factors involved. In the home, constantly having the television or radio on may make it difficult to hear, or a change in the pitch of a child’s voice can be confusing. When providing care for a senior in your home, talk to your family about your loved one’s hearing problem and discuss ways you can make the environment quieter and more comfortable.
Seek Outside Help
If your parent’s hearing problems persist, make an appointment with his or her doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your loved one’s current ability to perceive sound and may be able to suggest a hearing aid or other device to promote better hearing. If hearing loss threatens your loved one’s safety, the doctor may also recommend having a caregiver assist your parent with daily activities, transportation, and more.
Hearing impairment can have negative effects on an aging adult’s overall health and wellbeing. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of in-home care Rhode Island families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (401) 284-0979.