Speech Pathology

Assessment and management of  communication or swallowing difficulties.

Speech Pathologists assess and manage a wide variety of communication and swallowing difficulties. Communication and swallowing difficulties can occur for many reasons, including stroke, degenerative disease (eg Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neuron disease), head injury, surgery, dementia, voice impairment or hearing loss.

The Speech Pathology service at MCHS provides services to assist frail aged and disabled individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties. The Speech Pathology service is provided at either the Coburg site or in the home depending on individual circumstances. If your preferred language is not English, a professional interpreter will always be booked for the initial assessment and then as required.

Communication difficulties:

Difficulties with communication can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to independently and effectively communicate his/her wants and needs. Communication difficulties can occur with understanding language (comprehension) or using spoken language (speech) or both of these.

Communication impairment can affect a person’s ability to communicate with family, friends, and work colleagues and to complete everyday tasks requiring speech, which are normally taken for granted

The Speech Pathologist will assess a person’s speech and language according to individual needs. Recommendations will be made to help with successful communication. Often a period of regular Speech therapy will be implemented. Sometimes, consideration of an alternative form of communication will be appropriate.

Swallowing difficulties:

Difficulties with swallowing can occur for multiple reasons, most commonly stroke, head injury or degenerative disease.

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 and need to be thoroughly assessed and carefully managed.

The Speech Pathologist will look at an individual’s ability to manage the swallowing process and will make recommendations accordingly.

Referrals

Referrals to the Speech Pathology Service at MCHS can be made by:

• Individuals
• Family members
• Carers
• Doctors or Specialists
• Other health professionals
• Other service providers

Eligibility

• Frail aged
• Have a disability
• Have a long term illness
• Palliative care clients

Clients covered by TAC, Work cover (i.e. compensable clients) or clients residing in nursing homes are not eligible.