Think about your average day and the number of conversations you have with different people. Maybe you eat lunch with a friend at work and discuss sports or get coffee with your brother or sister to chat? Either way, the power of speech is an important asset in most people’s daily lives. When it comes to geriatrics and medicine for the elderly, many things that most people take for granted on a daily basis are, at times, compromised with increasing age. I’m referring to things like speech, sight and movement – some of which are affected by age-related conditions, illness and injury. 1
This brings me to the topic of speech therapy and its importance for seniors. At times, speech therapy may be necessitated by a condition or injury that has debilitated their ability to communicate regularly and effectively. Actually, speech problems are natural in geriatrics, “as one grows older, vocal cords can become less elastic and larynx muscles can weaken, making it difficult to talk in a manner they are accustomed to.1” With that said, there are many reasons why it is important for seniors to receive speech therapy if they cannot effectively communicate. 1
First of all, as we know with geriatric care, growing older means our bodies do not always function as they are intended. When it comes to important medical care, it can be fatal if a family member or loved one cannot tell you or their nurse where and when they are hurting. Especially in an emergency care situation, imagine how dangerous it is if they cannot communicate what they are experiencing or answer questions for proper care? 1
Also, consider your friend or loved one’s responsibilities of life that can be affected if they cannot communicate. Responsibilities like finances, living arrangements and bills sometimes require communication to work efficiently. In some situations, your friend or loved one may be afraid to ask for help in caring for these procedures, leading to obvious issues. 1
If you feel you, a friend or a loved one needs speech therapy, contact a medical professional to set up a “comprehensive speech therapy evaluation” by a language pathologist who can establish the best method of therapy care1. Speech therapy somewhat re-teaches patients how to communicate through tactical “vocal exercises” that can offer a new level of self-confidence and self-dependence1.
Source:
1ASCBlog (2014). THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEECH THERAPY FOR SENIORS. American Senior Communities. Retrieved June 19, 2014 from http://www.ascseniorcare.com/health-blog/importance-speech-therapy-seniors/