Date of Award
4-21-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Communication Disorders, MCD
First Advisor
Amy Shollenbarger
Committee Members
Christina Akbari; Rashele Wade; Shanon Brantley
Abstract
This phenomenological qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) participating in the SPEAK OUT!® program and to assess its potential to alleviate some aspects of caregiver burden. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six caregivers. These results highlighted overarching themes of program benefits, caregiver challenges, and caregiver rewards while expressing challenges with the program. Caregivers mentioned that the participants had challenges with inconsistent practice and resistance to applying the skills they learned from the program daily. While caregivers did perceive benefits and no adverse changes due to the SPEAK OUT!® program, some caregivers saw some hindrances in its effectiveness. The outcomes of this study analyze relationships between caregivers and the individual they care for, their perspective of the program, and the dynamics being a caregiver plays into their perceptions.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Caitlyn Marie, "The Caregiver Perspective of the SPEAK OUT!® Program" (2025). Student Theses and Dissertations. 678.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/678
