SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Why get a Speech Pathologist?
A Speech Pathologist can help prevent:
- Choking incidents that are distressing to residents, families and carers and can be life threatening
- Reduce the occurrence of Aspiration Pneumonia for clients in facilities and community settings
- In partnership with a Dietician, reduce malnutrition and weight loss amongst residents with dysphagia
A Speech Pathologist can also improve the quality of life of residents by:
- Offering advice on functional communication
- Defining appropriate diets by detailed Dysphagia
- Providing assessment and regular review of clients
- Providing detailed care plans
- Offering therapy targeting the maintenance of existing skills and the improvement of communication
Signs of swallowing problems…
- Coughing, choking or frequent throat clearing
- Food spilling out of the mouth or coming out of the nose
- Holding the lips tight and using effort during swallowing
- Needing several swallows to clear single mouthfuls
- Food remaining in the mouth after swallowing
- Wet or gurgly voice during or after eating and drinking
- Frequent burping and pain after eating (reflux)
Who should be seen?
- Any resident who has suffered a Stroke, has Dementia, poor dentition, reduced dexterity, impaired insight or impulsiveness
- Any resident with a history of Aspiration Pneumonia or choking at mealtimes
- Anyone who is coughing regularly during meals
- Residents who cough whilst having fluids, have low weight or refuse food
- Residents who have recent unexplained weight loss
- Residents who have progressive neurological conditions (eg; Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, MS, etc)
- Any resident recently returned from hospital with a diet downgrade (e.g. normal to vitamised diet)
- Any resident who has recently been put on a peg feed
- Anyone recently put on an altered diet
- Dysphagia arising from chronic illness, deconditioning, ageing
- Any resident on an Enhanced Primary Care plan who could benefit from a Speech Path review
- Any residents who may benefit from functional communication therapy
To organise a speech pathology assessment please contact Wellness & Lifestyles on 8331 3000 or
