1. Common speech therapy services

Speech therapists focus on improving and maintaining your independence and safety and modifying the environment to make it as easy as possible. Speech therapist can also address swallowing and chewing problems to improve variety of diet and enjoyment.

Speech services include;

• an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and speech therapist determine the person’s goals,
• customized plan to improve the person’s independence, safety, and ability to swallow
• Periodic re-evaluation to reassess patient’s ability and progress to modify goals to better address patient’s current function.

2. Dining with dignity

ONR’s signature Dining with dignity program addresses all aspects of eating that may become problematic for seniors.  The Dining with Dignity program is a service that provides an interdisciplinary treatment approach to assisting residents with swallowing, chewing or hand-to-mouth disorders related to medical illness or trauma to improve your ability to be independent in eating.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVEs include:

• Increase independence in swallowing, eating and feeding skills
• Maintain the highest level of functional and physical ability
• Improve or maintain nutritional status and socialization
• Decrease the risk of choking and aspiration
• Enhance your self esteem and confidence with dining
• Educate in optimal strategies to manage eating difficulties

3. Do you need Speech Therapy?

If you are experiencing difficulties with understanding, speaking, pronouncing words, voice, memory swallowing a referral to speech therapy may be indicated. Speech therapy can help you:

• Create a personalized diet texture plan: Speech therapy can provide you with diet textures to maximize enjoyment of your meals while reducing risk of aspiration.
• Improve communication: Speech therapist will target specific areas in speech, language, and voice to help you communicate.
• Improve independence: Speech therapist can improve your ability to complete complex everyday tasks such as medication management, basic financial management, and safety awareness.