UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Staff Guide on Effective Communication to Service Users
INTRODUCTION: Effective communication plays an integral part when working with people with Parkinson’s disease. It is a very important tool we use in our everyday life. We need to have a good knowledge on communication methods and practices, and to further support inclusive practice in order to help the Parkinson’s service users overcome the difficulties and problems that they come across in their daily lives. This information leaflet aims to guide staff members on how to effectively communicate with Parkinson’s service users, understand communication methods and practice, and to further support inclusive practice. But first, we will discuss what is …show more content…
The volume and clarity of their speech are reduced which makes it difficult for care providers to understand them and sometimes can be very frustrating for both service users and care providers. According to Argyle’s theory of communication cycle, ‘communication is a two-way process’, (Argyle, M., 1972). When communicating with a person with Parkinson’s, we need to provide plenty of time for them to say what is in their mind. Sometimes it takes time for them to speak, so give them time to take their turn in the conversation. We also need to have a good eye contact and show them that we are actively listening and interested in what they want to say to us. We should also encourage a quiet environment as much as possible, communication is performed better when there is less distraction. Make sure the volume of our voice is clear for them to hear and that they are wearing their hearing device if they need one. When we are communicating with Parkinson’s service users it is important to practice a good listening process by understanding what they say, remembering it, evaluating and provide them with a response. A translator should be provided if the Parkinson’s service user does not speak the English …show more content…
This is also due to shaking of the hands, muscle rigidity and difficulty controlling small movements. We can provide them with cue cards or picture cards, which will help them tell us what they need and how they feel. We can also use objects and technological aids like computers and other gadgets that could help our Parkinson’s service users express their needs. We should also provide reading materials or signs and symbols in a language that is suited for service users who do not speak the English
Staff Guide on Effective Communication to Service Users
INTRODUCTION: Effective communication plays an integral part when working with people with Parkinson’s disease. It is a very important tool we use in our everyday life. We need to have a good knowledge on communication methods and practices, and to further support inclusive practice in order to help the Parkinson’s service users overcome the difficulties and problems that they come across in their daily lives. This information leaflet aims to guide staff members on how to effectively communicate with Parkinson’s service users, understand communication methods and practice, and to further support inclusive practice. But first, we will discuss what is …show more content…
The volume and clarity of their speech are reduced which makes it difficult for care providers to understand them and sometimes can be very frustrating for both service users and care providers. According to Argyle’s theory of communication cycle, ‘communication is a two-way process’, (Argyle, M., 1972). When communicating with a person with Parkinson’s, we need to provide plenty of time for them to say what is in their mind. Sometimes it takes time for them to speak, so give them time to take their turn in the conversation. We also need to have a good eye contact and show them that we are actively listening and interested in what they want to say to us. We should also encourage a quiet environment as much as possible, communication is performed better when there is less distraction. Make sure the volume of our voice is clear for them to hear and that they are wearing their hearing device if they need one. When we are communicating with Parkinson’s service users it is important to practice a good listening process by understanding what they say, remembering it, evaluating and provide them with a response. A translator should be provided if the Parkinson’s service user does not speak the English …show more content…
This is also due to shaking of the hands, muscle rigidity and difficulty controlling small movements. We can provide them with cue cards or picture cards, which will help them tell us what they need and how they feel. We can also use objects and technological aids like computers and other gadgets that could help our Parkinson’s service users express their needs. We should also provide reading materials or signs and symbols in a language that is suited for service users who do not speak the English