Being able to communicate effectively with your elderly loved ones is essential. Here are some tips: *Minimize visual and auditory distractions in the room. *Listen without interrupting. *When communicating with people with hearing issues, speak slowly, clearly and loudly. *Think before responding and do not speak when you are angry or upset. Often, it is not what you say, but how you say it that determines how your message is received. *If you have to have a potentially difficult conversation, rehearse what you want to say. *Set your boundaries. It is ok to refuse a request without rejecting your loved one.