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Helpful Hints Listening to Aging Seniors
Guidelines to Listening Skills
One of the best skills for a caregiver to develop is listening! As someone once quoted to me, God gave me two ears and one mouth. Sometimes it's difficult to listen, especially if we believe we know better. But out of respect and dignity of our aging seniors, let's assume they can speak for themselves. Most aging seniors really do know what they want and what’s best for them.
It's taken me several years to learn to listen well. And in the meantime; bite your tongue! Here are some guidelines that are helpful. These guidelines are derived from Texas Legal Services Center.
Considerate versus Inconsiderate Listening
Which items on this list annoy you most? Add your own items to the list if you think of others.
INCONSIDERATE LISTENING:
Daydreaming
Discounting information
Jumping to conclusions
Interrupting
Ignoring
Losing eye contact
Finishing speaker’s thoughts
Changing subjects
Excessive physical activity
Habitual challenging/defying the speaker
INSTRUCTIONS: Which items are most important to you when someone is listening to you?
CONSIDERATE LISTENING
Paying attention
Separating content from personality
Being non-judgmental
Being courteous-don’t interrupt or finish thought/sentences
Maintaining natural, comfortable eye contact
EVIDENCE OF GOOD LISTENING SKILLS:
Asking questions
Seeking clarification
Disclosure by the speaker
Gaining agreement on understanding
Retaining information over time
