We all know the joys of communicating in our mother tongue. Being understood without having to explain ourselves, is priceless. Our mother tongue is intimate – one of the most beautiful gifts an individual can have, and also the most important tool for communication and the way to the soul. The unique and diverse methods human beings can use to communicate through written and spoken language is a large part of what allows us to harness our innate ability to form lasting bonds with one another.

Many elderly people struggle with hearing, reading, writing and general communication skills. We cannot verbally or non-verbally communicate with them the same way we do with our peers. It is important to understand that as people grow older, they often become more difficult to understand and changes in their environment may influence their communication.

Communication is essential to providing quality care.

At Macadamia Care in Polokwane, we are blessed and grateful that our care workers speak many languages. Pictured here, care worker Peggy is reading to Ouma Jackie. Both ladies can speak 3 languages respectively ie: Northern Sotho, English and Afrikaans.

Ouma Jackie was interested in reading an article in Vrouekeur, about : “Life remains a journey of discovery” but as you can see it is a Afrikaans magazine. Not a problem for care worker Peggy as she read the entire article to Ouma Jackie even though both ladies’ first language is Northern Sotho.

At Macadamia Care we understand elder care and the importance of communication with older people.

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