Speech Therapy for Seniors: 4 Conditions It Can Address

There are various situations where a senior could benefit from speech therapy and home health care in Newark, California. Speech therapy can help patients recover from a stroke, or it may help seniors with communication difficulties.

Meridian Home Health, a reputable provider of home health services in California, lists a few situations where speech therapy may be beneficial for seniors.

1. Swallowing Problems
   Speech therapy can be helpful for seniors who develop swallowing problems. Our speech therapists can help seniors develop safe chewing and swallowing techniques, which can reduce the risk of choking.
2. Stroke Recovery
   Speech therapy is generally recommended immediately after a stroke. Aphasia, a disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand or express speech, is a common condition that can occur after a stroke. It is important to start speech therapy right away to increase the chances of recovery.
3. Weakened Vocal Cords
   As people age, the vocal cords become less elastic and the larynx muscles weaken. This makes it difficult to speak or communicate. Speech therapy can help seniors re-learn how to speak and can also provide vocal exercises to further enhance communication skills.
4. Dementia
   Individuals with dementia may benefit from speech therapy. Speech therapy can help preserve brain function linked to communication. In some cases, speech therapy can help by addressing the cognitive aspects of communication, including problem-solving, attention, and memory.

Bottom Line
If you notice your elderly loved one is having communication difficulties, it may be time for you to consider speech therapy. Not only can speech therapy improve their communication skills, it can also help improve their cognitive language skills. As a leading home health care agency, we are proud to offer comprehensive speech therapy services in the comfort of your own home.