The importance of speech therapy for seniors cannot be discounted as it can be necessary for those who may be recovering from a medical condition that is preventing them from communicating effectively.
Communication is vital at any age but for seniors, it can be extremely important so that they can advocate for themselves and their needs. People who cannot communicate successfully may not get the care that they require in an emergency situation.
Speech practice and improvement are very important, as the consequences of ignoring communication issues can have dire consequences.
Speech therapy should be considered if your elderly loved one has problems communicating their financial, personal, or medical matters or responding accurately to questions. The inability to communicate can manifest itself due to a variety of reasons, such as a medical condition or injury. It can also be attributed to the natural aging process. As the body grows older, vocal cords and the larynx muscles can weaken and become less elastic which can make it difficult to physically speak.
Communication issues may also be mental, for example a brain injury or the progression of dementia can lead to increased confusion as well as less accurate communication. Speech therapy for seniors is a great way for them to practice exercising their vocal cords and can help them increase their communication skills in order to express their needs.
Improving Speech Through Therapy
While American Sign Language and body language can be valuable tools for communication, speech is still the primary tool for communicating for most people. A senior who struggles with verbal communication may learn sign language ASL to adjust to their challenges. However, this can also create new challenges when communicating with those who do not know ASL.
Speech therapy works to support the seniors in creating new neurological pathways for speech in their brains. A speech therapist can create a personalized treatment plan with the goal to restore the patient’s speaking and communication ability. These strategies can include spoken, written, or even computer-based exercises. The speech therapist will also be able to give the necessary recommendations for the next steps if the damage to the vocal cords or brain is too great.
Improve Understanding
The challenges with speech may not always be physical and can relate to issues with both comprehension and understanding. Some people’s ability to communicate will be affected by their ability to understand themselves and others. They may be able to speak correctly, but they may not make sense, nor can they understand what others are saying to them. A speech therapist will be able to create a comprehensive treatment plan that is supported by the friends and family of the senior.
Speech therapy can be an important part of navigating communication issues regardless of their origin, whether it be a physical or mental condition. Communication is key when considering a senior’s quality of life and speech therapy can be a valuable tool in their therapeutic toolbox.
If you found this article helpful, we also recommend you check these related posts in our Home Care Services blog:
