Welcome Wisdom

Constructive Conversations: Discussing Declining Health

by Felicia Juntunen, MA, CMC, Director of Care Management

As families observe the declining health of their aging loved ones, they may wish to offer support, such as durable medical equipment or medication management. Unfortunately, these offers are sometimes met with skepticism or rejection, leading to frustration and communication breakdowns. Identifying barriers to understanding and seeking insight from others can help alleviate this disconnect. Enlisting the support of someone with a stronger rapport can be an effective way to broach sensitive subjects.

 

The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

Communication is not limited to words alone. Research shows:

• 55% of communication is body language.
• 38% is tone and inflection.
• Only 7% is conveyed through the actual words we use.

For families, using eye contact, facial expressions, and empathetic tone can greatly enhance conversations, especially when cognitive issues, hearing, or vision loss are factors. Aging Life Care managers often emphasize these strategies for fostering constructive dialogues.

 

A Real-Life Example: Robert’s Story

At 86 years old, Robert* lived independently and operated a small business selling collectibles. His son, who lived hours away, grew concerned after noticing falls and possible issues with medication management. Attempts to introduce a walker or medication system led to emotional outbursts, with no progress. A care manager identified hearing loss as a key barrier to their communication. By switching to in-person discussions, Robert’s son was able to effectively convey concern and empathy using body language, which was lost in phone conversations. This approach allowed Robert to understand the importance of changes that would support his independence and ability to make decisions autonomously.

 

Role of Aging Life Care Professionals

When families struggle to convey messages due to distance or relational challenges, Aging Life Care professionals can provide valuable support. They help:

• Identify communication barriers.
• Develop tailored plans to introduce necessary changes.

By focusing on timing, context, and the balance between verbal and non-verbal communication, families can turn difficult topics into meaningful and productive conversations.

*names have been changed to protect client identities