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Speech Therapy Services

Changes like a stroke, dementia, neurological disorders, or illness can make a person feel unlike themselves. It can also be difficult to remember, enunciate, or follow the plot of a story. Speech therapy, paired with consistent practice, helps to overcome these hurdles.

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is a cognitive rehabilitation that helps identify and overcome challenges with speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive skills.

It can be effective after surgery, injury, or illness, but it is also a useful resource for aging. 

There is evidence that this therapy can help improve:

  • Communication disorders, including aphasia
  • Memory
  • Attention
  • Problem-solving
  • Speech impediments
  • Swallowing disorders
  • Vocal strain
Senior at a speech therapy appointment.

Like other medical therapies, speech therapy begins with an assessment and moves forward with a series of skill-building activities outlined in the treatment plan.

The evaluation focuses on the person’s thought process, ability to problem-solve, and language skills. Routine speech therapy appointments can be part of short-term skilled nursing rehabilitation services or long-term senior care services. Therapists can also use speech therapy and occupational therapy together to benefit individuals who are neurologically impaired and need everyday independence.

Exercises and activities depend on the needs of the individual but can incorporate:

  • Articulation – work on pronunciations by repeating back certain sounds and words. Sometimes there are visual aids, and other times it becomes conversational.
  • Language – play games, tell stories, and build a broader vocabulary. These exercises show the person’s level of comprehension in conversation and reading.
  • Fluency – sometimes the best thing to help achieve fluent speech is to talk more slowly. In addition to pace, therapists work on breathing techniques and teach speech patterns.
  • Voice – when soothing vocal strain is the priority, therapists take time to practice pitch and volume. They also incorporate breathing techniques into these exercises so that residents can begin to speak from their diaphragms and reduce strain.
  • Social Skills – guests can strengthen their understanding of nonverbal cues, turn-taking, and when to initiate conversations.
  • Cognitive Communication – when cognitive difficulties arise, therapists can use visual, auditory, and written exercises to practice the brain-to-mouth connection. They also use games and techniques that target problem-solving and attention deficits.
  • Swallowing – during these exercises, we practice strengthening the muscles in the mouth and learn safe eating practices.
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – therapists teach people how to use various AAC devices whenever they are helpful to the individual.

Thinking about speech therapy for you or your loved one? Contact CommuniCare today to start your recovery with expert care and guidance.

Our facilities excel in even the most challenging recovery plans and can guide you or your loved one in developing long-term skills that improve quality of life. Some cognitive impairments can be subtle to the untrained eye but feel “off” to a loved one. 

CommuniCare’s speech therapy staff is well-versed in these subtleties and oftentimes the assessment provides clarity about what the individual has been going through.

Schedule Therapy Services

Why Speech Therapy Is Essential

Clear communication is essential for connecting with the world around us. Speech therapy empowers individuals to overcome communication challenges and achieve their full potential. At Communicare, our highly trained speech therapists are dedicated to helping individuals of all ages improve their communication skills and quality of life.

Here are some of the ways our speech therapy program can make a difference:

1. Regain Confidence Through Improved Communication

Many individuals experience communication difficulties due to neurological conditions, stroke, accidents, or other health issues. Our therapists provide personalized care to address a wide range of speech and language disorders, including aphasia, swallowing difficulties, voice disorders, and pronunciation challenges. We use evidence-based exercises and activities, including behavior modification and cognitive therapy, to help individuals regain their ability to communicate effectively.

2. Enhance Quality of Life

Communicare recognizes that a comfortable and relaxed environment is crucial for successful therapy outcomes. We provide a supportive atmosphere where individuals can focus on improving their communication skills and building confidence. By improving their ability to communicate, individuals can experience greater independence, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of connection with the world around them.

3. Develop Personalized Strategies

Our experienced speech therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations to understand each individual’s unique needs and develop a tailored plan of care. We work collaboratively with individuals and their families to set achievable goals, monitor progress, and celebrate successes. Whether the goal is improved pronunciation, enhanced word recognition, or increased swallowing safety, our therapists are dedicated to helping individuals achieve their communication goals.

4. Continue the Journey at Home

We believe in empowering individuals to continue their progress beyond our center. Our therapists provide clear guidance, home practice activities, and ongoing support to ensure individuals can maintain and build upon their newly acquired skills. We work closely with families to equip them with the knowledge and resources they need to support their loved one’s communication journey at home.

5. Experience the CommuniCare Difference

At CommuniCare, we’re committed to providing a compassionate and holistic approach to speech therapy. Our therapists are passionate about helping individuals overcome communication challenges and achieve their full potential. We believe that everyone deserves to have their voice heard, and we’re here to help make that happen.

Your Partner in Speech Therapy

Find a CommuniCare facility that offers speech therapy services. 

We have locations in Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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