Written by Avery Moud
Oscar Wilde once said, “Ultimately, the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or friendship, is conversation.” Communication plays a vital role in relationships, particularly as we age, and cannot connect with people in the same ways we once could. Everyone wants to be able to communicate their needs, enjoy conversation with loved ones, and continue to live independently in old age. Older adults can face communication challenges that develop from muscle atrophy and cognitive decline that come with typical aging or events like trauma (aphasia due to stroke), overuse (voice disorders), and onset diseases like Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, Lyme disease, or ALS. Swallowing function may decline as well, which if not treated, may result in aspiration. These challenges can typically be overcome through speech therapy.
Speech, voice, and swallowing therapy can be performed in various settings including long-term care facilities, homes, and even hospitals. When accessed, speech therapy can provide communication devices, improved voice quality, improved speech, and decreased risk of aspiration.
According to a study conducted by the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, “Interpersonal communication has the potential to disseminate dementia risk reduction information to, and promote behavior change among, a broad group of people at risk of dementia, thereby increasing equity in dementia risk education” (Fair et al., 2022). Seeking treatment for not only communication disorders, but also hearing and vision loss, can significantly decrease dementia risk.
What are the signs that you might benefit from therapy?
- You are not responding to questions.
- You are relying on nonverbal communication more regularly.
- Communication with people you don’t know is challenging.
- You are finding it difficult to chew and swallow.
- Your voice is breathy or hoarse.
- You are experiencing cognitive changes (Parkinson’s diagnosis, dementia, stroke.)
How can these resources be accessed?
- ASHA ProFind is an excellent online resource that can help you find licensed speech-language pathologists in your area.
- Talk to your doctor or a social worker about SLPs in your area.
- If you are referred to speech therapy by your doctor, Medicare will typically cover the cost of that service.
- Patients should contact their insurance providers for more coverage information.
The loss of communication abilities is often one of the most discouraging things about aging. Tom, a man who received his Parkinson’s diagnosis over 20 years ago relates to this sentiment. He says, “Of all the symptoms that Parkinson’s disease has presented the deterioration of my speech has been the most difficult for me to handle” (Speech Therapy Testimonials – Open Lines, 2023). Accessing speech therapy was a game-changer for Tom and he owes his ability to communicate through speech to his therapist. This is just one story of how speech therapy has changed someone’s life. Yours could be next!
References
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about voice therapy.
https://www.asha.org/slp/clinical/frequently-asked-questions-about-voice-therap y/
Fair, H., Klekociuk, S. Z., Eccleston, C., Doherty, K., & Farrow, M. (2022). Interpersonal communication may improve equity in dementia risk education. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 34(2), 561–569. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.602
Med1Care Home Health Care & Staffing & Med1Care Home Health Care & Staffing. (2023, March 8). 6 Signs you need a speech therapist as a senior. In Home Health Care|Aides Toledo,Findlay Ohio|Med1Care.