Communication Tips: Hearing and Interacting Well With Your Mom
Home Care Services Zionsville
Ever since your mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you’ve had to learn a lot. Undeniably, the disease is new to your whole family, and you’re unsure what to do or not to do. One of your biggest hurdles is knowing how to hear your mom. Knowing how to listen and respond to her can prevent much of her frustration.
Don’t Interrupt Her
Even if she’s repeating something you’ve heard her say 18 times already, let her say it. Don’t interrupt her. Since if you do, she’ll become frustrated and is more likely to lash out at you. If she doesn’t lash out, it may cause her to retreat from any social activities.
When she’s struggling to find a word, please don’t rush to fill in the gaps for her. Give her time to come up with the words on her own. Otherwise, only step in if she asks for help or gets angry or upset with herself.
Answer Calmly Time After Time
No matter how often your mom asks you a question, answer it like it’s the first time she’s asked you. If she’s asked you if you’ve heard this news story, she’s ready. Answer honestly.
What if that news story is distressing her? When she becomes distracted by something else, you could remove the newspaper and put it where she won’t find it.
Use Simple Language
When you talk to your mom, her language comprehension skills will diminish. As soon as possible, learn to simplify your language with her. Short sentences and phrases are better than complex ones. She’ll get frustrated if you get too complex as her skills disappear.
Play Language Boosting Games Together
Work on games that help her retain language skills. If possible, get grandkids to join in. Games like Memory that help with picture/word recognition are beneficial. In the earlier stages, you could also play games like Apples to Apples to help her with reading and word comprehension.
What If You Don’t Understand What She’s Saying?
Don’t tell her that what she said didn’t make sense. White lies are appropriate. Say something like, “That’s interesting.” It’s generic, but it shows you understood, and sometimes that’s all she will need.
Support Yourself and Your Mom With Around-the-Clock Caregivers
Furthermore, as the disease progresses, ensure you’re supporting your mom and yourself. If you try to take on too much, you’ll burn out. With home care, your mom is never alone, and you’re free to live your life. You don’t have to move in with your mom, quit your job, or move back to your hometown.
Arrange home care services today. Have a team of caregivers help your mom with everything she needs to stay safe. Finally, when you visit, you’ll be able to focus on her.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Zionsville, IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760.
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
- Home Care Differences Between Grooming and Hygiene - April 24, 2023
- 4 Senior Home Care Tips to Get Out of a Food Rut - April 13, 2023
- Elder Care Tips For Managing Senior Stress - March 21, 2023