Why speech therapy is an important service:
The importance of effective communication is obvious at any age, but for seniors it is especially crucial. Seniors must be able to convey their needs and describe what may be wrong, where they hurt, or what is troubling them in order to stay safe and healthy. Communication is also essential for maintaining their significant social relationships and their connectedness.
Speech therapy for seniors is often needed when one is recovering from a stroke, after a head injury, or due to the effects of dementia. Speech therapy can also address speech issues that are caused by the aging process and some diseases. Speech therapy Dyer can help seniors re-learn how to speak, with vocal exercises that enable them to effectively communicate once more.
A speech language pathologist is trained to address issues with speech, language, voice , cognition and swallowing problems in the senior population. Some of the most important goals of speech therapy for this group are to increase functional communication, improve cognitive skills, and achieve safe swallowing.
The first thing a speech therapist will do is an evaluation to determine if the problem is language-based, and how it can best be addressed. Once other factors are ruled out, treatment for speech and language problems may include muscle retraining, compensatory strategies, and the use of communication devices.
Speech therapy is a vital service for those seniors who need it. At Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center our skilled and compassionate speech therapists are ready to help you or your loved one along the road to recovery and better communication.