When a loved one reaches their golden years, finding ways to help them remain safe, happy, and engaged with their local community becomes a top priority. However, medical problems, oral health issues, and a decline in cognitive function can result in trouble communicating. The good news is services like speech therapy can improve your elderly loved one’s ability to connect and converse. Look into speech therapy options if your senior friend or family member is exhibiting the signs below.

4 Signs Your Elderly Loved One is a Candidate for Speech Therapy

1. Reluctance to Socialize

Is your outgoing elderly loved one declining invitations to socialize, talk on the phone, or catch up over a meal? If so, they may be having trouble finding the right words or forming sentences because of dementia, cognitive issues, or neck and throat pain. Speech therapy exercises can help with enunciation and word association so your senior family member can continue to connect with others. 

2. Trouble Handling Personal Affairs

Running errands, paying bills, discussing health problems with the doctor, or hiring a home nurse requires sound communication skills. When speech becomes difficult because of hearing loss, trouble forming words, or medical conditions, these essential daily chores may be ignored. Finding a caregiver who specializes in speech therapy can help your loved one maintain their independence and well-being. 

3. Difficulty Swallowing

Many seniors start to experience difficulty chewing and swallowing food, which can result in slow eating, skipping meals, or bouts of coughing and discomfort. Speech therapy often includes exercises and feeding modification techniques to simplify eating and swallowing. 

4. Recovering from Stroke

Roughly one-third of individuals who have a stroke will experience aphasia, or difficulty with speech and communication, after the episode. If your elderly loved one is currently on the road to recovery, speech therapy will help them regain speech skills and, in turn, brighten their outlook. 

If you want to engage speech therapy services for an elderly loved one, turn to CareResource Hawaii. Based in the heart of Honolulu and rated an A+ organization by the Better Business Bureau®, this home health care company provides elderly assistance that prioritizes dignity and respect. As a proud member of the National Association of Home Care, the Private Duty Home Care Association, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, they staff compassionate in-home caregivers committed to improving each patient’s quality of life. To schedule a consultation, call today at (808) 599-4999. For more information on their specialized services, from speech to occupational therapy, visit their website.