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Poor lady! That would be very frustrating. Would it be possible to ask her doctor to order occupational therapy? Perhaps the OT would have ideas about devices she could use to communicate, or even have some she could try. Or, searching online I see that Parkinson.org recommends consulting a speech-language pathologist for speech problems, and mentions assistive communication devices as being one way to deal with problems speaking.
I sure hope you can find some ways to help your mom communicate better.
Yes - if you Google "voice amplifiers for Parkinson's" you will see a range of specially designed gadgets. Whether or not the claims made for them are justified... :/
Only one way to find out! Maybe see if you can "try before you buy"?
Try googling "assistive communication boards" to see if you think that would be helpful - there are also videos on YouTube to show how they work. There are great communication apps available for iPads.
(edit) There are some good videos put out by ALS Philadelphia detailing communication options for people with that disease so they are aimed at helping adults. I would think that an OT should be able to help you find and try some of these options.
Your mother should definitely be seen by a speech pathologist or occupational therapist that specializes in assistive devices. The right one could assess her, recommend the best device and teach her AND her caregivers (this is critical) how to use it. A physician might be able to refer her to the right therapist or go through the ASHA (American Speech and Hearing association) website to find a certified SLP. Your mom sounds like a perfect candidate!
CapTel has a telephone that types the conversation from both. Check with your state, in Indiana, it is free as a hearing aid type of communication. I have the model that is compatible with Magic Jack as we got rid of landlines a few years ago. I see cost wise, its around $75
If she needs to use a phone, the suggestion commutergirl gave would be a place to start.
An option for her to communicate in person - check out Boogie Board on amazon. I got this because mom has no hearing in one ear, limited in the other (if she/they remember to replace the battery!).
It is smaller than a sheet of paper, very thin and lightweight, so it is easy to bring along, even for outings. It is an LCD screen that you write on with a stylus (any pointy non-writing item will work, even fingernails) and has an erase button to clear what had been written, allowing her to write more. It does not save anything, but for what you need, this is not an issue.
It is cheaper (and smaller mostly) than buying a tablet (you really don't need all that tablets offer!) She would be able to write what she wants to say without carrying a notebook and pencil around (and wasting all that paper!) Cost was about 25$. Battery is non-replaceable, but it claims to last for year. For a minimal amount, insurance can be purchased in the event that it fails. They will either attempt to repair it or reimburse the cost.
I just went back to Amazon to check this (amazon.com/Boogie-Board-eWriter-Blue-J32220001/dp/B010HWCEAO) This is not the exact one I purchased, but if you do not care about color, the gray one is currently $20.90 (unless you have Prime, remember you need to buy at least $25 to get free shipping! I ordered the sleeve in hot pink so it is easier to locate - dementia patients tend to misplace things - and spare stylus in 3pk.) I had previously searched in the "Find answers in product info, Q&As, reviews" for hearing issues, and found a few reviews. This time I searched for Parkinson and found the following comment: "I run two Parkinson's groups during the week. And on of patients had brought one in, because of her speech. It was getting harder to understand her and to communicate with her and she would write out what she was trying to say. And I ask where did she get her tablet from and she told me she received it as a gift. I ask for the brand name check for it in craft stores but I couldn't find the count that I needed. Found them on amazon and gave them as Christmas gifts. I have them practice their name, write things down that they need. Communication tool because with Parkinson things tend to get smaller and handwriting less legible. it will help him to communication with you and have less frustration."
The communication devices offered elsewhere might offer more bells and whistles, but are likely expensive. If all she needs to do is be able to write what she wants to say, this is worth giving a try!
I feel for your mom. I'm a quadriplegic with contracted hands. I also have a good grip. I'm able to hold a stylus and do all my communication, read, watch news and movies on my iPad. I would not know what to do without these. I hope you and your mom finds this helpful.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
I sure hope you can find some ways to help your mom communicate better.
Only one way to find out! Maybe see if you can "try before you buy"?
(edit) There are some good videos put out by ALS Philadelphia detailing communication options for people with that disease so they are aimed at helping adults. I would think that an OT should be able to help you find and try some of these options.
An option for her to communicate in person - check out Boogie Board on amazon. I got this because mom has no hearing in one ear, limited in the other (if she/they remember to replace the battery!).
It is smaller than a sheet of paper, very thin and lightweight, so it is easy to bring along, even for outings. It is an LCD screen that you write on with a stylus (any pointy non-writing item will work, even fingernails) and has an erase button to clear what had been written, allowing her to write more. It does not save anything, but for what you need, this is not an issue.
It is cheaper (and smaller mostly) than buying a tablet (you really don't need all that tablets offer!) She would be able to write what she wants to say without carrying a notebook and pencil around (and wasting all that paper!) Cost was about 25$. Battery is non-replaceable, but it claims to last for year. For a minimal amount, insurance can be purchased in the event that it fails. They will either attempt to repair it or reimburse the cost.
I had previously searched in the "Find answers in product info, Q&As, reviews" for hearing issues, and found a few reviews. This time I searched for Parkinson and found the following comment:
"I run two Parkinson's groups during the week. And on of patients had brought one in, because of her speech. It was getting harder to understand her and to communicate with her and she would write out what she was trying to say. And I ask where did she get her tablet from and she told me she received it as a gift. I ask for the brand name check for it in craft stores but I couldn't find the count that I needed. Found them on amazon and gave them as Christmas gifts. I have them practice their name, write things down that they need. Communication tool because with Parkinson things tend to get smaller and handwriting less legible. it will help him to communication with you and have less frustration."
The communication devices offered elsewhere might offer more bells and whistles, but are likely expensive. If all she needs to do is be able to write what she wants to say, this is worth giving a try!