先日、パーキンソン病をお持ちの方々が集まり、日頃の悩みや不安を自由に話し合う会を開催しました!!
今回は、利用者様同士だけでなく、理学療法士・看護師・言語聴覚士も参加。
普段のリハビリや訪問の中では聞けないような想いも、ゆっくりとした空気の中でたくさん聞かせていただきました。
「歩きづらさが日により違う」
「薬の切れ目がしんどい」
「家族にうまく伝わらない」
「声が出しづらくなった」
「転ぶのが怖くて外に出にくい」
それぞれ悩みは違うようで、
「実は自分も同じです」
という声も多く聞かれました。
“自分だけじゃなかった”
そう思えるだけで、少し気持ちが軽くなることがあります。
逆に、
「それならこうすると少し楽だったよ」
「こんな工夫をしてるよ」
と、利用者様同士で自然とアドバイスが生まれる場面もありました。
専門職が伝える知識ももちろん大切ですが、
実際に生活されている方の言葉には、また違った力があります。
普段はみんなで身体を動かしたり、体操をしたり、笑いながらリハビリを行う時間が多いですが、
こうして“話すこと”を目的に集まる時間も、本当に大切だなと改めて感じました。
悩みを言葉にすること。
誰かの話を聞くこと。
共感できること。
それだけでも、前を向けるかと思います。
そんなことを感じる、とても良い時間でした。
Moanaとして、
「リハビリをする場所」だけではなく、
“安心して話せる場所”
“同じ想いを共有できる場所”
にもなっていけたらと思っています。
これからも、身体だけでなく、
心の部分にも寄り添える関わりを大切にしていきます。
The Importance of Having a Place to Talk
The other day, we hosted a gathering for people living with Parkinson’s disease—a space where they could openly share their everyday challenges, worries, and experiences.
This time, not only did our participants come together, but our physical therapists, nurses, and speech-language therapists also joined the conversation.
In our regular home visits and rehabilitation sessions, there are thoughts and feelings that don’t always have the chance to surface. But in the calm, welcoming atmosphere of this gathering, many heartfelt conversations naturally unfolded.
Some shared that their walking ability changes from day to day.
Others spoke about how difficult it is when their medication begins to wear off.
Some expressed the frustration of not being able to explain their condition to family members.
Others talked about losing their voice, or feeling afraid to go outside because of the risk of falling.
Although everyone’s situation was unique, one phrase was heard again and again:
“I feel exactly the same.”
Sometimes, simply realizing that you are not alone can lift an enormous weight from your shoulders.
What was especially inspiring was seeing participants encourage one another.
“This small change helped me.”
“Here’s something that makes everyday life a little easier.”
These practical tips, shared by people who truly understand life with Parkinson’s disease, carried a special kind of meaning. While healthcare professionals can offer medical knowledge and clinical guidance, there is a unique strength in the lived experiences of those walking the same journey.
Our gatherings usually focus on exercise, movement, and rehabilitation, often filled with smiles and laughter. But this experience reminded us that creating opportunities simply to talk is just as valuable.
Speaking honestly.
Listening without judgment.
Finding someone who truly understands.
Sometimes, that’s enough to help someone move forward with a little more hope.
It was a meaningful reminder that rehabilitation is about much more than improving physical function.
At Moana, we hope to be more than a place that provides rehabilitation services.
We want to be a place where people feel safe to speak.
A place where shared experiences create connection.
A place where no one has to face their journey alone.
As we continue supporting people in their own homes and communities, we will remain committed to caring not only for the body, but also for the heart.
Because healing begins with connection, and every voice deserves to be heard.