Interview with a Speech Language Pathologist
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! Many of our patients work with a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist during their recovery process. Many also work with a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). Kristina Ivey, an SLP for Independence Rehab shared that many patients meet her and explain “well, I speak alright,” and do not believe they need any additional help. Kristina promptly agrees with the patients and assures them that they do speak well already, but there are still many other skills she can help them with! Read on to learn more about the role of a Speech Language Pathologist.
It is common for SLPs to be underappreciated at times in the workplace. Many people have a very “narrow idea of what speech therapy is” and assume it refers to “talking only” as Kristina put it. She told me that patient family members usually need it explained to them. Kristina might need to assure them “their speech is great; we’re working on swallowing” as an example. Sometimes other professionals do not understand the role of an SLP either. This is mainly because the title is not helpful in portraying the entirety of the role. Kristina told me she did not even fully understand the role when she began pursuing it. Kristina was originally drawn to the role as a teenager while working as a therapy tech with disabled individuals. It was then that she learned that not everyone can communicate. With communication being a basic need, she knew she wanted to find a way to help. She quickly learned that there is a broad range of other things that an SLP can help individuals with as well.
SLPs can assist patients with many different skills such as cognition, swallowing, language, memory, and establishing safety measures before returning home. While most of our patients are seniors who have been speaking their whole lives, traumatic injury or stroke can affect their language and communication skills.
Kristina often works closely with other employees to ensure that each patient is getting the best treatment and will be able to reach their goals. She may work with a Physical Therapist if a patient is at risk of a fall to help them learn appropriate sequences to avoid potential injury. She may work with an Occupational Therapist if the patient is working on swallowing and eating to help them learn what to do once food is in their mouth. SLPs often work with nursing teams and kitchen teams in skilled nursing facilities to ensure patients are being provided appropriate food.
When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Kristina said: “I love when I can help somebody reach a small step in their goal.” She likes seeing patients excited about the progress they are making. Something as simple as helping a patient learn how to be able to eat something that they love again and avoid a strictly purée diet brings Kristina satisfaction in her role.
The purpose of skilled nursing facilities is to provide patients with the treatment and tools they need to recover and get back home. The role of a Speech Language Pathologist should not be overlooked and can be vital to helping a patient fully recover and return to their activities of daily living. If you know a Speech Language Pathologist, you may want to consider thanking them this May as we observe Better Hearing and Speech Month!