Speech Therapy for Adults
Speech therapy targets speech sound production, expressive vocabulary, and understanding spoken and written language. Our adult speech program specializes in stroke recovery, which focuses on stimulating speech and language rehabilitation, and improving swallowing safety.
Our adult speech language pathologists are skilled at discovering the most optimal method of communication for you to express your intended message, including the use of AAC devices (augmentative alternative communication), sign language, gestures, or verbal communication. Each client’s therapy is individualized to their unique needs and strengths to help them foster independence, confidence and overall well-being. Our goal is to help you return to a functional level of communication and independence.
Our adult speech language pathologists can help in a variety of ways, including:
persistent hoarseness
Persistent hoarseness for more than 2 weeks can be a symptom of a voice disorder. Symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor before any therapy begins. Our voice team can work to resolve voice difficulties stemming from vocal cord nodules, muscle tension dysphonia, and vocal cord paralysis.
Therapy would include developing a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and vocal demands at work, school, or home. With this customized plan, we can improve your voice and help you to re-gain your confidence.
voice
Low vocal volume, slurring, and tremors can all result from Parkinson’s disease. LSVT Loud® is an established program with 20+ years of Level A research, funded by the NIH, to address voice and speech changes in the Parkinson population. The protocol is an intense voice program of 4 days per week for 4 consecutive weeks, and daily homework. It sounds like a lot, but the outcomes are amazing!
For more detailed information, please see www.lsvtglobal.com.
communication (speech, language, reading, writing)
Communication is a basic human function. We need to express ourselves and be understood to function in everyday society.
Often, speech and language skills can be affected after a stroke, brain injury, or accident. And, because we are all very different, there are varying levels of how these events can affect our communication.
This can be a very frustrating time, but with proven speech methods and encouragement, you can feel confident and included again!
Memory
Changes in your short-term memory as a result of a stroke, concussion, or cancer treatment can be confounding. These events can affect a person’s concentration skills, memory, and mental flexibility. A person may experience subtle differences or obvious changes in their typical routine. Attention training and memory strategies can be helpful in regaining independence.
swallowing difficulty
Having difficulty eating food or drinking liquids can be terrifying.
Swallowing difficulty can occur for a variety of reasons, including stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and generalized weakness due to illness or surgery.
A swallowing assessment is recommended before beginning treatment. From there, therapy will focus on strategies to help you conquer these issues, and your fears.
