Communicating With A Loved One Who Has Parkinson's in Fresno, CA

If your loved one has Parkinson’s disease you are aware of the way in which it manifests. Two trademark symptoms of the debilitating disease are involuntary shaking and hindered walking. Parkinson’s also presents challenges when it comes to communication, causing frustration for you and your loved one with the disease. Despite difficulties, effective communication with a person who has Parkinson’s is achievable through elder care services, knowledge of the disease and its pitfalls.

A challenging aspect of Parkinson’s is that symptoms can vary significantly for different people. Typically speech is most affected, being sped up or hindered by a stutter. Tone may also be affected. Parkinson’s may also cause your loved one to struggle with nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and hand gestures. Communicating without body language is another hurdle that you must overcome.

Another thing that will be impacted is attentiveness, which can make conversations arduous. Comprehension may prove more difficult for someone with Parkinson’s so be patient. Visiting Angels Fresno care professionals provide the necessary elder care services to ensure our elders feel secure in their home.

Maintaining a close bond with your loved one is possible by adhering to these approaches:

•  Be direct. Keep strong eye contact and sit level to one another. Make the focus about the conversation and try to talk one-on-one.
• Don’t complicate things. Address the person by name rather than pronoun. Be clear when changing subjects. Only ask yes or no questions and use simple sentences.
•  Choose the right time. Medication will affect your loved one’s responsiveness. Pick a proper time to speak with them.
  
• Show patience. Word choice isn’t easy for someone with Parkinson’s and interruption can be frustrating. Allow your loved one to find the words and complete their thoughts.

Some cases may require the assistance of a care professional. Looking into elder care services might be the best option for you.

•  Professional caregivers. Give yourself a break and hire a professional caregiver who will make home visits while you get a much needed respite. Caregiving can be taxing and time away prevents burn-out.
• Speech pathologists. You should see a speech therapist as soon as your loved one is diagnosed to assess both speaking and swallowing ability. It will also increase volume and help with pace.
• Occupational therapists. Physical therapy is an option for those who still want to use electronics or improve handwriting.

As a caregiver, don’t burden yourself with unnecessary stress. Reach out to Visiting Angels Fresno Elder Care Services to talk or ask for help. Stay informed about the disease and ask questions.

Call Visiting Angels Fresno to learn about our elder care services and how we can help your loved one feel safe and comfortable in their own home.