The Importance of Speech Therapy for Elders
Senior Care in Bernardsville NJ
The term “speech therapy” may remind most people of a special class in elementary or middle school, where children with speech impediments were sent to annunciate their letters better. Speech 
therapy is not only for children, but can be extremely beneficial to older adults.
Elders who have suffered from aphasia or other communication disorders may have a difficult time communicating their thoughts, understanding what others are saying, or reading. Many elders with this disorder have found comfort in having a senior care professional spend time with them throughout the day and learn how to communicate with them. However, if your loved one would like to have a conversation with others, speech therapy may be necessary. It can help older adults who have suffered one of the following medical conditions learn how to communicate what is on their mind.
Aphasia
Aphasia is a communication disorder that can develop after a stroke. This condition makes it challenging for the elderly to find the right words to say or makes their speech difficult to understand. The therapist will help your loved one function at the highest level, but can take between 6 months to a year to see the results.
Dysphagia
This condition causes older adults to have trouble swallowing. It may be due to a stroke, pneumonia, gum or teeth problems, the shape of their mouths, or not having a sufficient amount of saliva. A speech therapist can help the senior find different eating positions, certain foods, or special utensils to make swallowing easier.
Apraxia
Using words out of order or finding it challenging to move one’s lips to form words are symptoms of apraxia. The therapist may ask the elder to repeat certain sounds, and then form these sounds into words.
Dysarthria
Older adults with Parkinson’s disease or other diseases that affect the nervous system may have to cope with dysarthria. This condition causes seniors to mumble or slur their words, as well as speaking at a slower rate. The speech therapist will help train the patient to place their tongue and lips in the right way to form words, slowing down when talking, and breathing techniques.
Dementia
The speech therapist may be more beneficial during the early stages of this disease than the later ones because they will learn to retain their communication skills for as long as they can. The therapist also has techniques to teach elderly care providers, family members, and other loved ones how to communicate with them.
Speech therapy is no longer something meant for children, but can be a rewarding experience for older adults suffering from these communication disorders.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in Bernardsville, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
Source:
http://blog.ioaging.org/activities-wellness/speech-therapy-for-seniors-conditions-it-can-address-tactics-may-be-explored/
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