If you are involved in caring for an older adult, maybe suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s, or possibly suffering from a physical disability; you already know how difficult communicating with them can sometimes be. It is understandable that our Receivers of Care can perceive us as ‘bossy’. It is also understandable that we won’t like that perception one bit!
We didn’t choose to have to tell our loved ones what to do and how to do it. They certainly did not choose to need care. It is easy to get frustrated in the whole communication process, ending up in an unnecessary argument. At the very best, we may meet with passive resistance from our loved ones and that doesn’t help anyone. At the very worst, an all out war!
This article from Psychology Today provides some excellent tips for communicating with the loved ones we care for. If you or your loved one are particularly struggling with communication, there is also a book that goes in to greater detail offered in the article.