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Hi. My mum has Parkinson’s. Her voice is very low and I feel it’s going to disappear altogether. The family finds it very difficult to understand her now and it’s getting worse. I need some sort "communication device" for the future. What if she wants water or is in pain? The other problem is her fingers; she can't move them well and might find it difficult to type. Any recommendations?

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I would discuss both these issues with doctor and ask for a therapist consult for physical therapy and voice therapy management. Some of these is brain monitored, some of it a result of her Parkinson's. It is unlikely that it can be changed, but the fact she is still TRYING to be productive in terms of even trying to type is positive. It keeps flexibility and connections between neurons firing when they CAN do so.

A good understanding of both these issues would give you something to work with, and a way to know when working will be of no help.
Talk to Mom's doc soon as you can.
Do know that the ParkinsonsDisease.net has a Forum of family members and patients and Facebook has several. Talking with others dealing with the same issues you are will give you great connections for things to try on this journey to make it better.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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There are communication boards that are now available for tablets, I'm including one so you can see what I mean but there are many similar options once you know what to look for

https://www.cboard.io/en/
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Reply to cwillie
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I assume your Mum is living in a household where she is around people on a regular basis. If yes, make flash cards using a computer/printer and construction paper, each piece of paper saying something different.
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Reply to freqflyer
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How about a dry erase board, words or pictures so she can just point?
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Reply to JuliaH
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Voice getting low is very common with Parkinson's Disease. My husband has Parkinson's. When his speech therapist came she worked with him on basic vocal exercises that had him make louder sounds and then louder words. He wasn't realizing that he was speaking low or mumbling. As with physical movement not being as "big" and pronounced, the voice also gets not as pronounced.
When he, a few years later, was not trying to vocalize to communicate, she had me buy a white board with markers where I could ask him a question with yes/no written on the board, so he could use eye gaze.
He is nodding or shaking head and sometimes uses words. But speech therapy did help.
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Reply to JanPeck123
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I'm a caregiver for my mom, and we tried a bunch of devices, like different bracelets and gadgets, but she'd always forget to put them on or use them. It was a problem because she is not very mobile and can only go to the bathroom and back to her room. I was always worried when I went out if she had everything she needed. Then I heard about the JubileeTV box, and it seemed like a good solution. We've been using it for a year now, and so far it has been great.

It is made for elderly people who have difficulties with new technologies, and I thought it could be a good suggestion based on your situation. There is a simple 6-button control with buttons that are big and easy to press, even if her fingers aren't moving well. She can call me on the app on my phone with just a press of one button, and it starts a video call, so I can see what's happening and react immediately.

In your case, the video call makes it easy for her to show you if she needs water or is pointing to a place where she has pain, without having to talk or type.

Also, it has a sensor that detects her routine and alerts me if something odd is happening. You can connect multiple people to the box through the app, which is convenient if you are out of reach. Finally, you can start the call even if the TV is off, so it is useful in emergencies. I hope that helps
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Reply to JakRenden2
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There are "pads" that have icons on them so if someone wants water they can tap the water glass icon. If they want food, the food icon.
I just Googled it and they are called....Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device (AAC)
The problem may arise if she has dementia along with the Parkinson's she may not understand how to use the tablet or she may lose the ability to communicate that way in the future.
There is a "TalkTablet Pro" that will talk when you press the icon
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Reply to Grandma1954
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