The Benefits of Speech Therapy for Seniors

When you think of speech therapy, you probably think of school-based specialists helping children pronounce R’s or get rid of a lisp. But the ability to communicate effectively is important at any age, including for seniors whose speech may be affected by age or illness. Aside from the social impact of a speech impediment, emergency situations can occur if a senior citizen is unable to communicate pain, discomfort, or other concerns. Fortunately, speech therapy specialized for elderly patients is available, and it provides benefits beyond improved communication. Here’s how speech therapy can help:

Strengthens vocal cords

Like many other parts of our bodies, vocal cords become less elastic with age, which weakens the larynx muscles and makes communication more difficult. Speech therapy might not be able to “fix” the elasticity of vocal cords, but specialized vocal exercises can strengthen them and improve the quality of communication.

Improves ability to swallow

Another consequence of age-weakened muscles is the diminished ability to swallow, which increases the likelihood of choking on food. The strengthening effect of speech therapy on vocal cords and larynx and jaw muscles can improve the swallowing reflex and increase comfort and safety during meals.

Treats stroke-related disorders

Speech therapy is typically recommended for patients who have suffered a stroke, targeting two different disorders: aphasia and apraxia. 

Aphasia is the difficulty in finding the right words to express thoughts, such as saying “table” when the patient means “chair.” About a quarter of all stroke survivors experience aphasia, and long-term speech therapy helps patients focus in order to find the correct word. 

Apraxia is the inability of a patient to move their lips properly in order to form words. Speech therapy for apraxia involves repetition of specific sounds before turning those sounds into words. 

For either disorder, speech therapy after a stroke should begin as soon as possible —immediate treatment increases the chances of full recovery.

Treats memory loss and dementia

Seniors suffering from memory loss and dementia can also find benefits in speech therapy, even if their speaking abilities are normal. Speech therapy preserves the brain functions associated with communication, and helps address the cognitive aspects of communication including attention and problem solving. Therapists can also assist loved ones, teaching them how to improve communication with seniors struggling with memory loss.

Improves quality of life

Communication is an integral part of life for practical and social reasons, which is why many seniors with untreated speech issues are prone to isolation and medical problems. Improving a senior’s ability to speak will increase their safety, health, and the quality of life that comes with participating in social activities. 

Bella Vista Health Center can help

If you notice that an elderly loved one is having trouble communicating, processing, and organizing information, it might be time to consider speech therapy. At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer a clinical speech therapy program consisting of treatment, support, and care for those who have difficulties with communication, swallowing, and cognition. For more information, give us a call or drop by our 5-star facility in Lemon Grove today.

How to Help Your Loved One Through Therapy

For people recovering from injury or surgery, or coping with chronic disorders such as arthritis and rheumatism, physical therapy can be extremely beneficial. In fact, one of the only downsides to physical therapy is the time it takes to achieve results. Building strength and improving mobility often require months of treatment and plenty of patience, which is why it’s so important for physical therapy patients to have a support system in place.

If a loved one under your care is undergoing physical therapy, there are several ways you can offer assistance and encouragement. Here are few things to keep in mind:

Physical therapy is a rollercoaster

A common misconception of physical therapy is that it provides gradual, consistent results. But it’s normal for patients to experience ups and downs during treatment, making significant gains one day only to feel like you’re sliding backward the next. But unlike actual roller coasters, physical therapy progress should follow an overall upward slope, so if there isn’t steady improvement over time, you’ll need to discuss it with your loved one’s doctor.

Physical therapy goals should be realistic

Especially for elderly patients, it’s important to set realistic goals that take into account age-related limitations. For example, if your loved one was able to walk 50 feet with a rolling walker prior to an injury or surgery, their goals should remain in that vicinity. One of the best and most realistic goals is regaining independence—the more your loved one can do on their own, the more confident they’ll feel during treatment.

Physical therapy is emotionally demanding

In addition to the physical demands of your loved one’s treatment, recovery can take an emotional toll as well. Try to be understanding and listen to their frustrations and concerns. Sometimes simply letting someone vent can be an immense relief. Of course, there’s a difference between occasional venting and maintaining a consistently negative attitude, so if you feel your loved one’s emotional demands are more than you’re qualified to deal with, it might be worth looking into other forms of therapy as well.

Physical therapy requires homework

In addition to ensuring your loved one attends all physical therapy sessions, it’s important to motivate and assist them with their “homework,” which will usually consist of simple, physician-prescribed exercises that can be done regularly at home in between therapy appointments. Following the regimen will not only make appointments more productive, but it may also even speed up recovery time.

Physical therapy victories are worth celebrating

Understanding the ups and downs of the recovery process, setting realistic goals, and keeping expectations measured are only half of the equation when it comes to supporting your loved one through physical therapy. Maintaining a positive attitude is the other half—especially celebrating progress, no matter how minimal. Each literal or metaphorical step forward is a victory worth celebrating. And those celebrations will aid in motivation as well.

Let Bella Vista Health Center help 

The best thing you can do for a loved one in need of physical therapy is helping them find the best facility available. At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer an individual patient-centered approach to treatment that truly focuses on each patient’s needs. Contact us today for more information about our services, or drop by and see us in Lemon Grove. We look forward to joining your support team and aiding your loved one through recovery.