BBC presenter John Stapleton 'planning sensibly' for the future as he reveals heartbreaking Parkinson's diagnosis

Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton has shared his recent diagnosis of Parkinson's in a moving film with his son and BBC presenter Nick Stapleton, as they look at how best to support him.

Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton, known for his work on Newsnight, Panorama, and Good Morning Britain throughout a distinguished 50-year career, has opened up about his recent Parkinson's diagnosis in an intimate documentary featuring his son and BBC presenter Nick Stapleton.

Discussing his condition, John revealed: "Speaking is how I've earned my living for the best part of 50 years, and it's very frustrating sometimes, particularly if people are constantly saying to you, sorry, what did you say?'

"And you have to repeat yourself time and time and time again. I'm fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive because what's the point of not being (positive)."

A study last year indicated that 74 percent of individuals would struggle to discuss care options with an older family member*.

In the heartfelt film, Nick delves into the complexities of broaching sensitive topics within the family regarding the diagnosis and the hurdles they face together, reports the Mirror.

John reflects on his mother's battle with Parkinson's and notes he is beginning to see similar mobility issues in himself. Meanwhile, Nick contemplates stepping into his father's shoes two decades later, considering how to assist a parent through their diagnosis and the tough conversations about future care needs that lie ahead.

Nick shared: "It's early days for us, and thankfully, Dad is still fairly independent, but nonetheless, I want to start these conversations now to get some potentially difficult topics out in the open and make it easier for later on."

John spoke about his mother's diagnosis, highlighting one of her main struggles was her "inability to do things like open a can of beans or peel a potato".

"I am having the same sort of problem right now," he confessed.

After the conversation with his son and considering the future, John stated: "The fact that I've had an early diagnosis, the fact that I've seen what happened to my mother firsthand is all a big bonus in many ways because it enables me to look at it practically, realistically and plan sensibly for the future."

Georgina Jones, a senior care advisor at Parkinson's UK, provided Nick with advice on how to sensitively discuss the potential need for future care with his dad.

Georgina clarified: "It's trying to talk about what support someone might need rather than what care they might need, starting with what they would like and what they're struggling with."

"There's all kinds of equipment that people might need in their home. And that kind of small steps will then build up to something more major, decisions about if someone needed to sell their home, they needed to move, etc."

The complete film can now be viewed on BBC iPlayer. Information and support for life-limiting conditions like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and cancer, as well as end-of-life care, can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Morning Live airs weekdays at 9:30am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.