If your loved one’s senior care now includes a ventilator, you may not be sure how to communicate the first time you see them after the procedure. Whether they’re in a rehabilitation center or a senior care facility, it’s important to still connect with your loved one, both to improve their wellbeing and to maintain your relationship. Here are a few tips to help you communicate effectively. 

How to Communicate With a Loved One on a Ventilator

1. Know If They Have a Passy-Muir Valve

A Passy-Muir valve alters the airflow’s path through your loved one’s respiratory system to include their vocal cords, mouth, and nose. This enables them to speak audibly, resulting in clearer communication. If your loved one’s senior care facility has fitted a Passy-Muir valve to their ventilator, you’ll have a much easier time communicating, but be mindful that they may not sound the same or may still be adjusting to it.

2. Ask Simple Questions

If your loved one doesn’t have the valve or is still too groggy to try speaking, keep your questions and dialogue simple so they can answer easily. Yes and no queries are ideal, as your loved one can blink, nod, or make hand gestures to answer. Asking them more complex questions could frustrate or upset them if you struggle to understand their answer.

3. Let Them Write

For those who don’t have the valve, writing is the next best option, if your loved one is able. They can use a pen and paper or a dry erase board to communicate, but if holding a pen is difficult for them, typing on a cell phone or laptop may be more convenient. Written communication allows them to express longer, more complex thoughts, leading to more natural conversations.

4. Be Polite

Your loved one may be upset or embarrassed about their condition, so be patient, kind, and understanding when you visit them at the rehabilitation center or assisted living community. Make eye contact when you’re talking to them for clearer communication, and try not to show any anxiety or distress you might feel, as this could trigger a similar emotional response in your loved one. Small touches and personal gestures, such as resting your hand on their shoulder or arm, will help comfort them. Also, remember that your loved one can still hear you, even if they can’t speak.

If your loved one needs a compassionate assisted living facility, rely on the caring staff at WyndRidge Health & Rehabilitation Center in Crossville, TN. These senior care experts offer individualized services, including respiratory treatments and pain management, for patients of all ages, and their in-house staff includes certified and licensed therapists, nurses, physicians, and dieticians. With a nursing facility, full pharmacy, and advanced ventilator/tracheotomy units available on-site, you can trust that your loved one’s care will be exceptional. Learn more about respiratory senior care online, or call (931) 707-5687 to speak to a member of the team today.