How To Communicate With Your Loved One With Parkinsons In Roswell, GA

You are likely cognizant of the effects of Parkinson’s if you have a friend or loved one who suffers from the disease. The most common symptoms of the disease are shaking and trouble walking. The biggest problem that arises from Parkinson’s is communication, which can greatly affect both you and your loved one. In order to improve communication, you need to know what your loved one has trouble with and how you can help!

Parkinson’s presents a unique problem in that it differs from person to person. The area most affected is typically speech, resulting in speedy speech patterns, a stutter or softer tonality. The disease can make it difficult to read nonverbal cues such as hand gestures and facial expressions. Be aware that these avenues of communication may be off limits.

You might notice that attentiveness is also an issue and can make holding a conversation much harder. Be patient, as your loved one may be having trouble comprehending your words. Elderly Home Care Services from Visiting Angels Roswell is happy to help provide respite from these obstacles.

Managing to keep a close bond with your loved one may not be easy, but it can be achieved through these approaches:

•  Focus attention. Make sure the conversation is the center of attention and make eye contact. Sit down while talking and try to avoid groups.
•  Be very direct. Use your loved one’s name instead of a pronoun. Talk in simple terms and be clear when shifting topics. Talk simply and only ask closed questions
• Time it up. Responsiveness may be determined by medication so make sure to speak with your loved one when you feel they are up for it.
  
• Don’t interrupt. Interjecting may add to your loved one’s frustration. It may take some time for him or her to find the words they wish to use, so give time to finish the sentence.
  

Because Parkinson’s is such a debilitating disease, you and your loved one may both experience loneliness. If this happens, you should consider elderly home care.

•  Home care. Being a caregiver can be very draining and you may need to take some personal time to recharge. Hire a professional to make home visits so you can take time off.
•  Speech pathology. Seeing a speech therapist is a must once your loved one is diagnosed in order to make an assessment of their abilities both speaking and swallowing.
• Therapy. You can choose to attend physical therapy if your loved one still wants to use electronics and maintain legible handwriting.
  

Be sure you are not overexerting yourself in caring for your loved one. Seek elderly home care services to ease your situation. Learn more about Parkinson’s and ask questions if unsure.

Call Visiting Angels Roswell to learn about our elderly home care services and how we can help you communicate with your loved one.