According to a study published in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, about 15% of older adults have a voice disorder. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects 10-33% of older adults according to a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Speech and swallowing issues can greatly impact the mental and physical health and quality of life of seniors, so having access to speech-language therapy at Martinsville Health and Rehab is critically important.
Who Can Benefit From Speech-Language Therapy in Martinsville, Virginia?
Speech-language therapy can benefit older adults facing a wide variety of challenges, not only those who are recovering from a stroke or brain injury. Even healthy seniors can benefit from speech-language therapy. Individuals who may find speech-language therapy helpful include those who have experienced:
- Strokes or brain injuries that impact speech and cognition
- Age-related voice changes such as weakened vocal cords
- Impaired speech clarity such as slurred or mumbled speech patterns
- Difficulty with finding the right word
- Swallowing problems such as dysphagia
- Hearing loss
How Does Speech Language Therapy Help?
Speech-Language Therapy has many benefits for seniors in Martinsville, VA, not only for improving communication skills, but for help with swallowing, boosting cognitive functioning and improving overall well-being.
Improving Communication
Speech-language therapy can improve communication by:
- Strengthening the muscles of the lips, tongue and jaw to improve articulation and improve speech clarity
- Strengthening vocal cord muscles to address hoarseness and breathiness
- Improving language skills after a stroke to help seniors relearn how to use and comprehend language
- Boosting seniors’ confidence and ability to express themselves, reducing feelings of social isolation
Improving Swallowing
Speech-language therapy can improve swallowing and reduce choking and other health risks by:
- Strengthening the muscles of the mouth and throat, making swallowing safer
- Promoting safer eating and drinking to reduce the risks for malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia
Improving Cognitive Function:
Speech-language therapy can improve cognitive function through:
- Activities designed to engage memory, attention, and problem-solving skills and maintain mental sharpness
- Strategies and memory aids to help seniors with conditions like dementia slow the decline of cognitive abilities
Improving Overall Well-Being
Speech-language therapy can improve overall well-being in several different ways:
- Improved communication skills and the ability to eat safely help seniors maintain their autonomy
- Enhanced communication skills provide opportunities for more social engagement, reducing loneliness and isolation
- Regaining the ability to express oneself boosts confidence and self-worth
Turn to Martinsville Health and Rehab for Speech-Language Therapy That Boosts Quality of Life
Martinsville Health and Rehab offers comprehensive rehabilitation therapy services in Martinsville, Virginia, including speech-language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. In addition to rehabilitation therapy, we offer long-term care, skilled nursing care, respite care and memory care.
Contact Martinsville Health and Rehab to learn how we help make lives stronger and healthier.