Human Relationships and Practical Psychology in Working with Older Adults

A respect for basic human needs increases cooperation.

Basic human needs include:

• the need to be loved and praised regardless of age
• the need to be needed and respected despite any limitations
• the need to be given credit for what you know
• the need to be given choices and allowed to make mistakes
• the need to be productive, to be effective, to have goals
• the need for companionship
• the need for security-consistency
• the need for privacy
• the need for beauty

Obtaining cooperation also requires:

• attention to any changes, such as:
  • vision
  • hearing
  • balance
  • touch
  • taste
  • smell
  • strength
  • memory
  • sleep patterns
  • paranoia/delusions/mood disorder
  • depression
  • medication
• patience
• understanding adaptive behaviors
  • look for underlying reasons
  • change the situation
  • change your response
  • use communication skills