What Independence Plus Can Do To Help Rehabilitate Speech
Patients who suffer brain injury from trauma, stroke, or lack of oxygen may experience speech difficulties, including an inability to understand spoken language, trouble articulating complex thoughts, or loss of motor ability in the mouth and lips. Fortunately, these effects can be lessened through speech-language therapy. Here are some of the ways that a speech-language pathologist from Independence Plus can help your loved one communicate more effectively:
Evaluate and Address Dysphasia
Dysphasia, also known as aphasia, is a deficit in communication as a result of brain injury. A speech-language therapist can determine the presence and severity of such issues by having the patient complete a variety of verbal tasks in the comfort of his or her own home. This information can be used to create a treatment protocol that addresses specific issues.
Teach Ventilator Voicing
Patients with tracheostomies may have difficulty talking, as the airflow necessary for speech largely circumvents their oral and nasal cavities. However, air can be redirected through the mouth by manually covering the trach tube or utilizing a special device such as the Passy-Muir Valve—a method which is especially helpful for those on ventilators. A speech-language therapist will evaluate the patient’s current ability to speak, provide instruction on effective methods of voicing, and track progress over time.
Train in Use of Adaptive Equipment
Patients who live alone may need extra help accomplishing tasks, particularly if they have reduced motor ability. During the rehabilitation process, a speech-language pathologist can ease the adjustment to using voice-activated equipment such as computers, thermostats, and telephones.
Independence Plus can provide all of your home health needs, whether you require skilled nursing visits, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. Call (708) 366-4500 to learn more about our home health visits.
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