It’s not what you say, it is how you say it… Upon reflection, many of us can relate to, “Oh, I wish I would have said this, instead of that!” Or, “What I should have said was…” “What I really meant to express was that…” All are indicative of how important communication really is. The words we choose make a difference to how the information is received.
Communication is an essential part of the 12 BUILDING BLOCKS OF INSPIRED SENIOR CARE. One of the 12 Building Blocks identifies more than 30 words which are more favorable when creating a supportive environment or are detrimental to forming meaningful relationships. In addition to word choice, effective communication includes body language, gestures, and tone. When these variables are changed the same words spoken can have entirely different reactions!
Each day of life, every person has opportunities to have meaningful and positive interactions with those around them including loved ones, acquaintances and even total strangers. Conversations can be more meaningful and interactive when we are intentional in our use of multiple communication methods. Saying “hello” without eye contact, without a smile and with a low monotone voice, sends an entirely different message than saying “hello” with direct eye contact, with a smile and an exuberant, exciting voice. Maya Angelou encapsulated this concept beautifully when she said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Being intentional with your interactions and conversations doesn’t always come easy, it takes practice.
Do your team members providing care in your community recognize and understand the opportunities they have every single day to provide a personalized, consequential interaction with their clients? Inspired Senior Care helps senior living communities and senior support organizations of all sizes develop a relationship-based culture of meaningful and personalized care by providing engaging learning tools and proven know-how to help guide teams in how to effectively and independently serve the social and emotional needs of today’s seniors.
Through colorful and engaging training materials, the Inspired Senior Care program will arouse your team’s curiosity by stimulating impactful dialogue and connecting key concepts to help leaders and staff collectively develop a sustainable framework that meets and exceeds the expectations of residents, care partners, and families today, and into the future. These key concepts are not only fundamental as a caregiver in a senior community, these are great for every day interactions to use anywhere!
