Speech Therapy
Speech therapy includes treatment by licensed therapists for individuals who have developed speech, swallowing or cognitive problems typically following an injury or illness, as well as those with progressive disease that have a new onset of difficulty. Treatment plans are designed to effectively address each person’s communication and swallowing dysfunctions.
Benefits of Speech Therapy
- Aids in functional communication skills
- Aids in safe eating/swallowing
- Helps with alternative communication needs
- Educates patient and family on compensatory strategies and home programs
Elements of Speech Therapy
- Improving verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, including the use of augmentative systems when necessary
- Improving oral muscle strength and functioning for speech and swallowing
- Learning listening and response strategies to improve communications
- Learning adaptation skills if modified diet is required
- Education on safe medication management practices
- Assessing and treating changes in cognitive function
Conditions treated by Speech Therapy
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders
- Anoxia (low oxygen)
- Memory loss (Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia)
- Swallowing difficulties