Speech therapy helps people who have suffered a stroke or other injury re-learn how to communicate through speaking, reading, writing, and/or augmentative and alternative communication. Speech therapy also helps those who have difficulty chewing or swallowing during meals, and helps improve memory skills so the residents can perform tasks like managing medications or getting help in emergency situations. We incorporate physical exercises to strengthen the muscles used in speech, use speech drills to improve clarity, and incorporate sound-production practice to improve articulation. We also provide cognitive training and methods for communicating with the hearing impaired. Our licensed speech-language pathologists specialize in the development and disorders of human communication. Many of the speech disorders we treat result from stroke, head injuries, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. With speech therapy we evaluate, treat, and work with the resident, family, and faculty staff to develop and improve:
- Speech production
- Language - expressive and comprehensive
- Sequencing/Safety
- Swallowing functions
- Cognitive communication disorders
- Problem solving with daily living tasks
- Medication management
- Financial management
- Orientation to environment
- Voice
- Augmentative and Alternative communications