The Benefits of Speech Therapy
Courtesy Carrus Hospitals, Texoma LIVING WELL Magazine
The ability to communicate clearly is an essential part of life. When robbed of that skill, due to a stroke, dementia, brain injury, or some other condition, it can be devastating for the patient and the family.
In an in-patient rehabilitation hospital like Carrus, speech therapy is an integral part of customized care, benefiting patients in surprising ways. While the most common expectation is that speech therapy will improve clarity, or even help re-establish language, speech-language pathologists also work with patients on cognition, memory, attention problems, sequential actions, organizing, perception, judgment, and understanding.
According to Blaire Staggs, M.S., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist at Carrus, strokes or brain incidences can affect how we think, how we remember, and the speed with which we can do things. “Exercises and activities are geared toward regaining life skills, as well as the ability to communicate and understand,” she says. “In fact, speech therapy can provide support, or even the building blocks, for other physical and occupational therapies, improving patient outcomes in all areas.”
Helping patients with assistive technology, adaptive aids and environmental modifications promotes safety and independence. As part of the interdisciplinary team, Staggs works one-on-one with the patient, tailoring the process to the person. She explains that every patient is unique, deserving individualized attention and a respect for preferences. “We’re going to work with every patient differently.”
As an example, Staggs says that people of all ages come to Carrus. “It’s important that we utilize age appropriate therapies so that when I work with a young person, we may utilize his cell phone as a tool, whereas with an older person I might work with her on remembering the sequence of events needed to be able to lock the wheels on her wheelchair before she stands up.”
Staggs loves being a source of help and hope to patients and their loved ones, meeting patient goals and helping to restore independence to the best level possible. She invites everyone to call for an appointment to visit Carrus Rehabilitation Hospital, where tours are available.
Call 903-870-2600 or visit www.carrushospital.com for more information.
