This training has provided you with information about Parkinson’s and useful tips to make your conversations as effective as possible.

Our call companions service is designed to help genuine friendships flourish between older people who are alone and socially isolated and their volunteer caller. By better understanding the needs of the older people with Parkinson’s, you can become a better companion for them.

Although the aim is to make lasting relationships with older people with Parkinson’s, sadly, Parkinson’s is a complex and progressive condition. Overtime, some older people with Parkinson’s may reach the stage where their speech is very difficult to understand or making it hard to holding successful telephone conversations with them. Some others may develop dementia, or severe mental health issues which brings additional communication complexities.

If overtime you notice changes in the older person you are in touch with, which makes the telephone conversations difficult, please get in touch with Re-engage by emailing us at knowledge@reengage.org.uk. Each case will be assessed individually and we may need to signpost to more specialist services.

You can use the same email knowledge@reengage.org.uk to get in touch with Re-engage if you have any questions about the Re-engage call companion service in partnership with Parkinson's UK, or if you have any concerns about the older person you are befriending. Please remember that our office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you are interested in knowing more about Parkinson’s or have specific questions about this condition, Parkinson’s UK has a vast library of resources that you can refer to or you can contact Parkinson’s UK Helpline.

Please remember that although this training is one of the mandatory parts of your onboarding process, it is always freely available on our website for you. You can access it any time from any of your devices to refresh your memory or use it as a reference point.