Speech pathologists are essential in diagnosing and treating communication and eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties that commonly affect older adults.
In turn, they help older people to have healthier, more fulfilling lives. Speech pathologists can also support carers and healthcare providers to deliver care that is:
- comprehensive
- person-centred
- effective.
Communicate your way
Speech Pathology week is in August each year (25–31 August in 2024). The theme for 2024 - ‘Communicate your way’ - highlights the different ways people communicate.
Older people live with a range of communication difficulties. These difficulties can be because of conditions like hearing loss or dementia, and also from language and cultural barriers.
Here are some great examples of how providers are helping residents who find it difficult to communicate to be independent and make their own choices.
Sample plates for easier choices
Services are plating up an extra serve of each meal and displaying these ‘sample plates’ to the residents at their dining tables. People who aren’t able to say what they want can simply point to the plate that appeals to them. When people have difficulty reading or interpreting written menus they can find it hard to choose the meal they want in advance. Being able to make a choice at the time of the meal can increase their satisfaction and enjoyment of the meal.
Picture boards for better communication
Some services have designed picture boards that they display on dining tables. These can encourage people to communicate at mealtimes. When asked ‘are you enjoying your meal?’ the resident can point along a rating scale on the picture boards. They might use a smile rating scale or the thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons to share their thoughts and show what they prefer. Some services have made specific boards to suit the needs of each person. These can feature messages such as ‘I’d like something else’ or ‘Could I have some help?’ to improve their mealtime experience.
Speech pathologist training for care staff
Services are working with a speech pathologist to develop training for staff in effective communication-partner skills. Examples of these include:
- communicating at eye-level
- speaking in short, simple sentences
- individualised strategies such as using a persons photo album to help them start a conversation)
These strategies help residents who find it difficult to communicate to have meaningful connections. It also helps care staff to better support them.
By using strategies like these, services can improve the ability of their residents to communicate. This in turn improves their wellbeing and reduces their feelings of isolation.
To find out more about how you can support communication for older people, contact your speech pathologist. You can find a certified practising speech pathologist in your area on the Speech Pathology Australia website.
Commission resources:
- Food, Nutrition and Dining Hotline: Speak with a dietitian or a speech pathologist from our Food, Nutrition, and Dining Advisory Support Unit. You can call the hotline on 1800 844 044, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (AEST)
- Food, nutrition and dining resources for: Providers, Workers and Older Australians
- Webinar: Swallowing, texture-modified diets and nutrition. This webinar features the Chief Clinical Advisor to the Commission in conversation with a speech pathologist and a dietitian.
