{"id":667,"date":"2008-12-01T12:05:21","date_gmt":"2008-12-01T17:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parkinson.netfirms.com\/epp_e\/?p=667"},"modified":"2008-12-01T12:05:21","modified_gmt":"2008-12-01T17:05:21","slug":"communication-circles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archiveparkinson.thedev.ca\/fr\/communication-circles\/","title":{"rendered":"Communication Circles"},"content":{"rendered":"

Communication circles \u2013 a guide for people with Parkinson\u2019s and families
\n<\/strong> By Bonnie Bereskin, M. Ed.,\u00a0Speech-Language Pathologist at Baycrest\u00a0Geriatric Health Care System in\u00a0Toronto.<\/p>\n

The challenge of maintaining clear speech can cause many people with Parkinson\u2019s to withdraw from friends and social activities. However, with intensive practice, communication losses can be delayed and minimized. A cost-effective way to provide intensive speech therapy is by tapping into your social network to create a circle of people who can help you practise speaking in person or by telephone.<\/p>\n

Communication changes in Parkinson\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n

Voice<\/strong>.<\/strong> The voice becomes quiet and monotonous in intonation.<\/p>\n

Articulation<\/strong>.<\/strong> Speech sometimes sounds slurred. Consonant sounds are weakly produced.<\/p>\n

Rate of speech<\/strong>.<\/strong> Some people speak too quickly so their speech becomes difficult to understand.<\/p>\n

Facial expression<\/strong>\u00a0is reduced.<\/p>\n

Cognition<\/strong>.<\/strong> Complicating the speech changes of Parkinson\u2019s are changes in one\u2019s ability to think. Individuals find it hard to pay attention to a task. Some people become impulsive and begin speaking without planning for a loud voice and slow speech.<\/p>\n

Advantages of communication circles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Communication circles provide intensive, on-going and cost-effective speech therapy. Why are all three features essential to maintaining speech with Parkinson\u2019s?\u00a0Intensive practice<\/strong>, four times per week, has been shown in the scientific literature as the minimum amount required in order to improve and maintain functioning.\u00a0Ongoing treatment<\/strong>\u00a0is important for Parkinson\u2019s as it is a chronic illness.\u00a0The benefits of\u00a0cost-effective therapy<\/strong>\u00a0are obvious. Few of us have extra dollars crowding our wallets.<\/p>\n

Since Parkinson medications have little effect on speech, therapies have been developed to improve the loudness and strength of the voice and to slow the rate of speech. Before creating a communication circle, it is best to have an assessment with a Speech Language Pathologist who can develop a specific speech and voice therapy program for the person with Parkinson\u2019s and train the volunteers.<\/p>\n

Six steps for creating a communication circle<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Recruit volunteers. They are not only good for the voice practice; they also bring fun, laughter, companionship and interest.<\/p>\n

2. Hold an education session about PD, its symptoms, and the course of the illness. Few volunteers will have prior experience or knowledge of Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n

3. Invite a Speech-Language Pathologist to discuss communication changes in Parkinson\u2019s, the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Parkinson\u2019s, communication exercises and other relevant treatment approaches.<\/p>\n

4. Ask one of the volunteers (with organizational skills) to be the group facilitator whose duties will include sending out a monthly schedule of practice times.<\/p>\n

5. Have volunteers arrange for someone to replace them when they are unable to attend.<\/p>\n

6. Hold an administrative meeting once every four months, to share information, Speech-Language Pathologist input, new learning and fine-tune the communication circle program.<\/p>\n

Circles that work<\/strong><\/p>\n

George Copeland\u2019s inspiring story<\/a>\u00a0describes the process and success of a communication circle.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how communication circles have helped other clients keep up their favourite activities<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n