Speech & Language Pathologists (SLPs) work with people across the lifespan on communication and swallowing issues. CVHHH employs two SLPs who provide this support to Central Vermonters in our service area. You can contact us any time to ask questions about the services we offer or to inquire about how to start care.
Who do SLPs care for?
SLPs work with adults of all ages, including those who experience a stroke; nervous system disease (e.g. Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis); respiratory disease; cancer; or traumatic brain or other injury. These all can result in speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing problems. Home health services provided by SLPs may also be needed for children, such as for a baby using a feeding tube at home or a medically fragile child who can’t attend appointments in the community.
What services do SLPs provide?
Most commonly, home health SLPs work with people in areas that include the following:
Speech Difficulties can involve muscle weakness in the mouth and/or trouble getting the muscles of a person’s mouth to move in a way that helps them speak clearly. This may make it hard for others to understand them.
Language A person may have difficulty expressing themselves and/or understanding others. This includes having trouble finding the words that they want to use, putting words in the wrong order, or substituting sounds or words; and following conversations They may also have trouble with reading, writing, or spelling.
Cognition This can involve reduced problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and judgment. Memory loss is also common, particularly for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or for those who had a stroke or brain injury.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication Some people may use, or choose to use, other ways–such as picture boards or speech-generating devices–to communicate other than talking. These methods may be needed following medical interventions such as a tracheostomy, or when a person has a neurodegenerative disease like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
Feeding & Swallowing Difficulties may include coughing during or after eating or drinking, food or liquid leaking from the mouth, or food getting stuck in the mouth or throat. These may put someone at risk for dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications.
Why?
Home health services provide the opportunity for people to continue to make progress and live a fuller and more independent life. In addition, services are provided in the comfort of a person’s home, in the spaces they live in. Therapy activities can address real life needs and a person’s daily activities and routines (e.g. preparing safe meals or communicating with caregivers). The home setting provides opportunities to incorporate families into therapy and individualize each person’s care plan to their specific environmental and social needs.
Request care
To learn more about therapy care at home from CVHHH, visit the Therapy Services at Home page on our website. There, you can fill out a secure contact form and a member of our team will follow up.