What is a speech therapist?

Posted By Maryann Porosky On JANUARY 07,2020

For many of us, the words "speech therapy" make us think of a classmate in grade school who had trouble because of stuttering. In fact, speech therapists help with many problems that crop up later in life. Consider stroke, Parkinson's, dementia, and brain injury. All these disorders can affect a person's ability to find and form words, put together language, vocalize, and even swallow.

Speech therapists work with speech-, brain-, and throat-related problems. (They are also known as "speech pathologists.") Like occupational therapists and physical therapists, speech therapists are specially trained members of the health care team. Medicare pays for their services if a doctor makes a referral.

What does a speech therapist do?

The first step is evaluation. Depending on your loved one's difficulties, the speech therapist will assess your loved one's ability to

form words and make sounds
understand spoken words
find words and organize thoughts into speech
regain skills for reading and writing
control volume or pitch of the voice
swallow without choking

The speech therapist will then develop a treatment plan. This might involve recommendations to consult your doctor about medication or surgery. Or exercises your loved one can do at home. The exercises may work to improve muscle control of the tongue and throat. Or may rebuild nerve pathways to the brain. Or help your relative learn to pay attention to voice volume or facial expression.

As with many therapies, it is up to the patient to practice at home. This is where you come in, providing support and removing barriers without appearing to nag.

Speech therapists work in various settings. For instance, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and independent offices. In some circumstances, if your loved one meets Medicare's "homebound" criteria, the therapist can come to the home.

If you think your loved one might benefit from speech therapy, ask the doctor for a referral.

Is communication difficult?

As the northern New Jersey experts in family caregiving, we understand how vital it is to be able to communicate fluidly with your loved one. Anything that makes that process easier is going to make your relationship more fulfilling and your support more effective. Give us a call at 973-627-4087. We at Caring Choices can help you through this difficult and sometimes frustrating process.