Older individuals may struggle with speech as their bodies and minds change with age. Seniors should consider speech therapy to improve their relationships and gain independence through communication skills. This article will discuss a few advantages of these language programs.

4 Benefits of Speech Therapy for Seniors 

1. Addressing Stroke Symptoms

Annually, more than 700,000 people have strokes in the U.S. Many survivors have one-sided weaknesses (hemiparesis) which can make it difficult to form shapes with their lips.

Individuals who have strokes on the left side of their brain may have aphasia, which limits their ability to speak or understand speech. Therapy can teach seniors new ways to communicate through mouth exercises, listening, writing, and caregiver-guided homework. 

2. Improving Eating & Drinking

Seniors who have dysphagia have difficulty swallowing. Pneumonia, dental trauma, and strokes may cause this issue, as can medications that reduce saliva production. Speech therapy can improve a seniors’ ability to eat by changing their positioning, flexing the throat muscles, and using modified utensils to improve safety.

3. Reducing Effects of Dysarthria

Speech muscles can weaken in seniors with conditions like cerebral palsy, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or Parkinson’s. Affected individuals may not be able to control their mouths, faces, tongues, or throats, causing slurred speech.

Therapy strengthens muscles through breath support and exercises. Speech pathologists can also recommend alternative methods of communication if oral options are not productive.

4. Improving Communication for People With Dementia 

Seniors who have dementia may have difficulty understanding and using words as their memory worsens over time. They often repeat information and lose track of what they’re saying.

Individuals can maintain their speech abilities for longer with targeted therapy to improve cognitive language functioning. A therapist will assess senior eating, talking, drinking, and swallowing before creating a personalized strategy to enhance independence.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Ohio’s Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.