Parkinson's Communication Maintenance and Voice Practice Groups

Parkinson's disease (PD) can affect communication in several ways. Many people with PD speak quietly and in one tone; their voice may not convey their emotions accurately. Sometimes the voice sounds breathy or hoarse. People with Parkinson's might slur words, mumble, or trail off at the end of a sentence. Most people with PD talk slowly, but some speak rapidly, even stuttering or stammering.

Parkinson's motor symptoms, such as decreased facial expression, slowness and stooped posture, may add to communication problems by sending incorrect non-verbal cues, reducing eye contact and impacting the ability to show emotion. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms, such as memory or thinking (cognitive) problems can also affect communication, leading to difficulty finding the right words, recalling information and processing/recalling information from conversations or written passages.

These problems can make it difficult to communicate with whanau/family, friends, health professionals and the wider community. They can interfere with a person’s job (for example giving presentations, interacting with colleagues or customers), their life roles (for example grand-parenting, caregiving for whanau, involvement in community or voluntary activities) and can limit social interactions and social confidence.

Our MSPC Monthly Communication and Voice Practice Group meeting with Kirstie Koller, Speech Language Therapist can help.

Kirstie can be contacted on 027 414 3239 or email Kirstie.Koller@cdhb.health.nz

Talk to our nurses to assess your suitability and get a referral.

Our groups have the following format:
Voice Practice:                        9.45am to 10.15 (LSVT / VAMP graduates)
Communication Group:       10.30 to 11.30

2022 Dates:
You are welcome to attend every month on Thursday the;

 

  • 27 January                          
  • 24 February
  • 31 March
  • 28 April
  • 26 May
  • 30 June
  • 28 July
  • 25 August
  • 29 September
  • 27 October
  • 24 November

Note: You may not always receive a reminder.

The communication group meeting will continue to include group discussion and activities and provide an opportunity for spouses and carers to be involved. Morning tea will be provided.

All meetings are held at MS and Parkinson’s Canterbury, 3/49 Sir William Pickering Drive, Burnside, Christchurch.  Phone 03 366 2857.

Speech therapist with female stroke patient outdoors during a home health therapy session modeling the production of a consonant during speech training for apraxia