My husband undertook this therapy programme in May 2024 with Celia Bacon, Speech Therapist and an expert in Parkinson’s Disease.
My husband has Advanced Parkinson’s, Dementia, severe curvature of the spine, and various other related issues. He had become quieter and withdrawn from social engagements over the last year and it was more and more difficult to hear or understand him. One of the symptoms of Parkinsons is a lack of motivation and getting Vince to be enthusiastic about anything was proving more and more difficult.
In the beginning, he joined one of Celia’s Loud and Clear online classes and it became apparent that he still had a strong and powerful voice but was not using it. Celia recommended the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment as a way forward but with several caveats. It would be demanding of him – both physically and mentally (and on me and his carer!); he needed to be able to take part on 28 consecutive days to give the therapy the best chance of success; and he needed to have the motivation to take part and to keep going.
He was sceptical about the therapy and originally said he did not want to take part but over a couple of weeks, changed his mind. We had also talked to someone who had taken part in a Local Authority funded scheme, and also to our NHS Speech Therapist. Both warned of the demanding nature of the programme.
All of the advice was right. It was demanding and challenging and, on some days, hard to find the time between his rests. We also put most of the rest of our life on hold to focus solely on the programme. It was worth it – the benefits have definitely outweighed the challenges.
Vince loved his sessions with Celia – never had to be encouraged to take part; was motivated to do the practice and to try and improve day to day. He benefitted enormously from Celia’s positive approach, and constant affirmation of his success and was delighted that the readings and conversations were based around things he is interested in – football, rugby, the Second World War, his ancestry etc.
It has now been a month since the sessions ended and the benefits have continued. There is no doubt that he has gained from the experience. His post-treatment assessment shows significant improvement compared to when he started, his voice is clearer, he is more socially engaged and more than anything, he has experienced real achievement and success. That has been very motivating.
In summary, whatever the data shows in terms of outcomes, the experience has enhanced Vince’s life. His life is better as a result.
We are both determined to keep up the practice and not lose the skills he has gained. Thank you, Celia.