Ann Finnimore
TPCH Speech Pathologist Ann Finnimore helps patients with Parkinson’s disease to manage the speech, swallowing and communication difficulties that frequently develop as a result of this progressive neurological disorder.
“We run the Parkinson’s disease check-in program which supports patients to self-manage their communication following treatment and to maintain their skills for interacting in their community for the long term.”
“Deterioration in a person’s communication through Parkinson’s disease can have a big impact on their life. People can become isolated as they can’t participate in relationships and activities the way they once could.
“Through the program, I look at their communication levels before and after their treatment, and where they are now. This includes testing the volume of their speech, and their abilty to be understood by others.
“Together with the patient we develop strategies for successful communication and ways to apply them in everyday life.
“It’s about giving people the skills to help maintain their communication ability out in the community, so they can live happy, active and fulfilling lives.
“It’s extremely rewarding to support people through what can be a very challenging and often uncertain time of their life.”