[CalCompanion]

First, you want to engage the senior; perhaps opening the conversation with subjects that s/he really like or that are important to him or her. Secondly, be warm and inviting in your speaking voice; sit and hold his or her hand while talking. The key is finding the topic(s) that interest the senior and use that as a springboard. Expect that there will be conflicts; do not be surprised that your wishes meet resistance. Your discussion may be ongoing over a period of time. You should also as a caregiver know your own limitations. You might stand a better chance of having the senior do something if you enlist the help of a family member who may be more effective in communicating.