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As seniors age, they are at risk for many health issues, including the loss of speech function as a result of stroke or dementia. Speech therapy is one aspect of long-term care that helps seniors retain quality of life. Therapy can restore some or all of their speaking abilities and teach patients new ways to communicate.

Speech Therapy & Long-Term Care

When to Contact a Speech Therapist

Your loved one’s need for a speech therapist can be obvious, such as after a stroke, or more difficult to detect. Look for difficulty in responding to questions or asking for specific objects, problems managing their personal or medical affairs, frequent injury, or a lack of common sense. A speech therapist can determine if the issues are language-based and recommend treatment accordingly.

What Do Speech Therapists Treat?

Natural Loss of Speech

The vocal cords become inelastic as people age, and the muscles of the larynx weaken. A therapist can help seniors with muscle re-training, singing, and group peer support.

Aphasia

singing-for-vocal-rehabilitationThe symptoms of stroke often include loss of language, which is called aphasia. Speech therapy is an essential part of long-term care for stroke survivors, and people can recover if they begin treatment right away. 

Dementia-Related Speech Loss

Dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other diseases can also affect language and communication. Speech therapy may not halt the onset of this type of aphasia, but it can help patients in the early stages. Examples of treatments include creating a memory book with the client or teaching them to communicate with pictures or written words. They can also coach family members in how to work with their loved one’s speech loss.

Difficulty Swallowing

A speech therapist may also assist those in long-term care situations that have trouble eating or swallowing. They will teach exercises to increase oral motor control and safe swallowing techniques to prevent choking.

 

A&T Certified Home Care in Rockland County, NY, provides speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy, home health, and nursing care. Their staff is screened and licensed and will make sure your loved one is properly cared for at home. To learn more about their long-term care services, call (845) 708-8182 or visit their website.

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