Phoenix home care caregivers discuss Improving Communication
Improving Communication from Scottsdale home caregivers and Care-To-Go.
One of the most important ways to help communication is not only to ask "How are you feeling?" but also "What are you feeling?" If you think about it, "How are you?" is one of the most common questions we ask, but it can be a rather thoughtless one. The expected response is "Fine" or "Good." It doesn’t allow for much discussion. When you ask, "What are you feeling?" you are digging a little deeper. Someone who is asked that question will get the impression you want to know how he really is doing.
When you ask the question, "What are you feeling?" be prepared to hear anything. The person could say he thinks a lot about death or he is worried about what the future holds for his children. Or maybe he is afraid he will not survive a year. Be ready to really listen and hear the answer he gives you. You do not have to have a reply, but you must be ready to hear the pain or harsh thoughts that the question might provoke.
People with cancer sometimes like to get the opinions of those closest to them about their illness, treatment, and treatment outlook. Be open and honest, but don’t try to answer questions that you don’t know the answers to. The person with cancer will sense your honesty and appreciate it. If you want to know more about this, please see our document called When Someone You Know Has Cancer.
Venting feelings
During their illness, people with cancer may express anger and frustration to those around them. This can upset family members and friends, but it may help to remember that people often displace their feelings onto people close to them. They do this because the people closest to them are a safe outlet. They know you will still be there for them, even if they behave badly or create tension. Often, the person is really frustrated and angry about the cancer and the losses it brings, but that is hard to put into words. So she may take her angry feelings out on family, friends, or anyone who happens to be around at the time.
Phoenix Scottsdale, Chandler and Mesa CareGivers trained by care-to-go have experience in elder communication. Caretogotravel travel companions also are trained on special senior needs.