Do you know how to communicate with your elderly parents?

Do you have any advice to help me to Be more patient with mine?

I remember my childhood tendencies being a similarity to where they are now, it helps me lower a wing of humility and compassion when being with them.

Mindful · 56-60, F

Makes sense. @PuppetOnStrings

shuhak · M

* Be patient - they're still the same person they've always been; it's just that things don't work as fast as they used to when they were younger.
* Talk a bit slower than usual - their hearing isn't always what it used to be.
* Don't be condescending - no one likes that! You may think you know more than they or that your way is the best, but remember they have 20+ more years of experience on you.

Remember... they took care of you for 18 years and now, like it or not, it's your turn to take care of them.

Don't forget, you're going to be in their shoes in 15-20 years.

Mindful · 56-60, F

Thank you. I feel ashamed that I have to be reminded of these things! Maybe I’m the one who is growing “old and a little off”. I feel way off. Later I began to realize she’s just trying to connect or just talk @shuhak

HannahSky · F

Practice patience and just be there for them

Mindful · 56-60, F

She confuses me. Yes I need to do this@HannahSky

HannahSky · F

@Mindful not a lot you can do except be there and help if you can. I try to remember how I treated my grandmother when she was older and just be kind and loving. Easier said than done though!

Mindful · 56-60, F

Thanks. It’s either my diabetes or I don’t understand her@HannahSky

rjc36 · 56-60, M

Just remember that you are still their child and they still care about you. They may repeat themselves several times in the same conversation and my forget what you just told them but try not to let it bother you. You will find once they are gone you may wish they were still bothering you and telling you that same information again. Just my thoughts.

Mindful · 56-60, F

I was having those very very same thoughts as I forced myself to listen to her for an hour... it was killing me both ways... I could not stand myself, BECAUSe of my own impatience. I couldn’t stand hearing redundant things. I kept reminding myself she just needs someone to talk to. It would help ease my frustration. If I try to make sense of what she is saying, it doesn’t make sense. If I think to myself, she’s just trying to have a conversation .. then I calm down. But this dissapoints me... Because love my mom!!! Why am I struggling to understand all of this? What is wrong with me??? And Thank you, because I need to be remind and I appreciate your kind thoughts/words.@rjc36

Steve42 · 56-60, M

Avoid conversations at all costs.

Mindful · 56-60, F

I try ;-)@Steve42

SW-User

@Steve42 😄 that's funny cause it's true!!

blazingrahul · 41-45, M

ya we need to be patient and make them happy by listening them

bijouxbroussard · F

Yes, I just talk to them. I have to repeat stuff from time to time, but then I’m getting to that stage myself. 😅

SW-User

@bijouxbroussard lol

Mindful · 56-60, F

Ohhh and Thatvreminds me that repetition is ALSO a technique ...I could use... I could repeat what she says instead of feeling like I have to respond if I don’t understand her!!!! @bijouxbroussard

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