First of all, people have to want to communicate themselves.
Additionally, older people often hold many rigid, fixed viewpoints about themselves, others, and the world. These views dictate their behavior and how they relate to people. This is why it is so difficult for us to influence the worldview of even our own parents.
I don’t know what specific result you are looking for, because “blanket of comfort and companionship” sounds very vague. But keep an eye on this field: