SPEECH THERAPY
DYSPHAGIA
Areas of focus may include:
Pain, discomfort, or difficulty swallowing
Feeling like foods or pills are getting stuck in the throat
Difficulty taking medications
Coughing / excessive throat clearing
Choking / fear of choking
Gurgly, wet vocal quality
Watery eyes / runny nose / changes in breathing during oral intake
Recurring cases of pneumonia
Changes in dentition or chewing abilities
Taking an extended amount of time to complete a meal
Poor saliva management or food / liquid spillage from the mouth
Pocketing of material in cheek / oral cavity
Reduced interest in / decreased oral intake
Weight loss
GERD / LPRD symptoms (e.g. regurgitation, throat burn, feeling like foods are getting “caught”)
SPEECH / LANGUAGE
Areas of focus may include:
Difficulty with word-finding / naming
Reduced, limited, or absent verbal communication
Difficulty expressing wants / needs / feelings
Difficulty understanding spoken or written information
Difficulty participating in a conversation
Social isolation / reduced desire to participate in social interactions
Slurred / difficult-to-understand speech
Occurrences of communication-breakdown
COGNITION / COMMUNICATION
Areas of focus may include:
Changes in thinking
Reduced / worsening memory
Confusion / disorientation
Difficulty managing daily schedule
Difficulty planning and completing tasks
Difficulty following instructions
Poor organizational skills
Poor problem-solving / judgement / reasoning
Difficulty remembering transfer / safety precautions
Impulsivity
Impaired attention
Limited awareness / insight into deficits
Difficulty exchanging routine information
Dementia education and staging of cognitive-communication decline
Assistance with determining service needs
Development of memory aids / tools to enhance recall of important information
VOICE
Areas of focus may include:
Weak / breathy / hoarse voice
Reduced speaking volume
Discomfort / strain when speaking
Tremulous voice
Having to repeat oneself frequently
Running out of air when speaking
Memory Book Development
A Memory Book, also known as a “Reminiscence”, “Communication”, or “Orientation” Book, is an individualized and meaningful memory and/or communication tool used for individuals experiencing changes in their memory, ability to communicate thoughts or personal information, or other thinking and/or communication difficulties.
“A fun and meaningful experience!”
Created over several therapy sessions, our speech therapists begin by conducting an evaluation to determine areas of cognitive-communication strength and weakness to team with you (and your loved ones) to create an individualized book for you to use for years to come.