Comfortable communication is important between any caregiver and care recipient, but it can become increasingly difficult after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Those providing Parkinson’s care for senior loved ones often benefit by making some simple changes and keeping the following tips in mind.
Remain Patient
Seniors with Parkinson’s may have difficulty communicating due to the deterioration of neurological and muscular systems, resulting in slurred speech or misspoken words. Remaining patient shows a willingness to listen and give your loved one as much time as he or she needs to develop words.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Oakville Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Avoid Finishing Your Loved One’s Sentences
Individuals with Parkinson’s often retain full cognition, and they’re capable of speaking for themselves. However, they often speak slowly. Give your loved one time to complete thoughts and sentences independently.
Ask Questions with “Yes” or “No” Answers
Parkinson’s might make it difficult to answer in complete sentences, but most individuals are capable of answering with a “yes” or “no.” This is a simplistic approach to communicating and often an effective one.
Ask Your Loved One How He or She Prefers to Communicate
There may be days when an individual with Parkinson’s has an easier time with one form of motor functioning than another. When this happens, simplify communication by using writing, pictures, or typing as an alternative to speaking.
Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oakville, Ontario, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Use Video Chat Services to Communicate
Family members who provide long-distance care can benefit from using FaceTime, Skype, or other video chat services when speaking to their loved ones. Individuals with Parkinson’s may have difficulty enunciating words, and caregivers often understand them better when they can see and hear them.
Laugh It Off
If your loved one is feeling frustrated or having a difficult time communicating, a genuinely friendly smile and heartfelt laughter can relieve the stress and provide much-needed comfort.
Parkinson’s symptoms can sometimes make effective communication challenging. By following these tips, you can keep your relationship stronger and provide the most effective care for your loved one.
When seniors develop Parkinson’s disease, their families aren’t always able to provide the care they need and deserve. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (905) 337-1200 today.