Speech Pathology

Assessment and management of  communication or swallowing difficulties.

Speech Pathologists provide services to individuals experiencing difficulty with:

• Speech and language
• General communication
• Swallowing
• Cognition
• Voice.
  

These difficulties can occur for many reasons, including stroke, degenerative disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone disease), head injury, surgery, dementia, voice impairment or hearing loss.
Difficulty with communication can affect a person’s ability to interact with family, friends and work colleagues and to complete everyday tasks requiring speech and language. Speech pathologists are able to assist with the communication needs of individuals and families, to manage difficulties and promote independence.
Swallowing difficulties can have a very serious impact on a person’s health with the potential to cough, choke, lose significant amounts of weight or suffer multiple chest infections. Swallowing difficulties can cause great discomfort and embarrassment. They need to be thoroughly
assessed and carefully managed. The Speech Pathologist will assess an individual’s communication or swallowing and will make recommendations accordingly.

Eligibility

• Speech pathology services are available for individuals who are frail aged, have a disability or have a long term illness.

Referrals

• Referrals for speech pathology can be made
  by individuals (self-referral), carers, health
  professionals including doctors and other service
  providers
• Interpreters are available as required.

Fees

• Session fees are $12.50 per session, $8 per session
  for Health Care Card and Pension Card holders.

For further information and appointments:
Phone Service Access