Marie-Claude Giguère will share the results of her more than 25 years of field research. Giguère emphasizes the importance of the language used during the critical time in life when seniors face a change in their autonomy and need to adapt, adjust and or transition.

This presentation will guide the audience through a “senior-focused” approach utilizing words, body language and connection to empower seniors at every step of this journey. This delicate time in a senior's life can be filled with fear, panic, and insecurity. The results of her research demonstrate how this could be different. Giguère’s key observations indicate how positive language can dramatically impact the outcome for seniors and their families as they adjust to their new realities and current needs, compared to negative language, which keeps most conversations closed and brings on a sentiment of hopelessness and a feeling of being bulldozed. The ‘bulldozing language’ currently used when seniors face a change in their autonomy is to 'force', 'make', ‘have to’, 'no choice'; we 'put' and we 'place' our seniors. In contrast, a slight change in our wording and attention to body language can make the process positive for everyone involved.

During this presentation, attendees will learn specific and tangible actions they can take to help reduce frustration and panic during this transitionary time, while ensuring that the senior remains at the center of the conversation. When seniors feel listened to, they feel in control, which ultimately benefits everyone.

Presented by Marie-Claude Giguere, Founder of Helping Seniors®, Author, Stay or Move? Consultant

Held via Zoom and In-person at the
Elderwerks Office
251 E. Northwest Hwy
Palatine, IL

Please join us for this FREE virtual presentation!

847-462-0885 | events@elderwerks.org