We provide speech therapy online for children, adolescents and adults with head and neck cancer.
We are a registered NDIS provider and use an inclusive approach to therapy, where the person can be in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
How can speech therapy benefit people with head and neck cancer?
Speech therapy can provide significant benefits for individuals with head and neck cancer, particularly as they undergo treatment and recovery. Here are several ways in which speech therapy can be advantageous:
1. **Recovery of Speech and Communication Skills**: Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can affect the structures involved in speech. Speech therapists use various techniques and exercises to help patients regain their ability to speak clearly and effectively.
2. **Swallowing Rehabilitation**: Many patients with head and neck cancer experience swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) due to changes in their anatomy or muscle function. Speech therapists are trained to assess swallowing problems and provide exercises and strategies to improve swallowing safety and efficiency.
3. **Voice Rehabilitation**: Treatments can alter voice quality, pitch, and volume. Speech therapists can assist in voice therapy to help patients regain their natural voice or adapt to changes, promoting vocal health and effective communication.
4. **Alternative Communication Methods**: For patients who may have significant speech difficulties, speech therapists can introduce alternative communication methods, such as the use of communication devices, gestures, or writing, to facilitate expression and interaction.
5. **Education and Counseling**: Speech therapists provide education regarding the impact of cancer and its treatment on communication and swallowing. They also counsel patients about strategies to cope with changes and encourage support from family members.
6. **Pre-treatment Assessment**: Early evaluation by a speech therapist before treatment begins can help identify potential problems and establish a baseline. This proactive approach can lead to more effective rehabilitation post-treatment.
7. **Enhancing Quality of Life**: By improving communication and swallowing, therapy enhances social interactions, dietary enjoyment, and overall quality of life, helping patients feel more connected and engaged with their loved ones and community.
8. **Multidisciplinary Collaboration**: Speech therapists work collaboratively with oncologists, nutritionists, and other healthcare providers to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses all aspects of the patient’s health and well-being.
Overall, speech therapy is a crucial component of the multidisciplinary care approach for individuals with head and neck cancer, helping them navigate the challenges associated with their condition and improve their quality of life.
Services for children, adolescents and adults
We have speech therapists who work with children, adolescents and adults, and we have therapists who have experience with head and neck cancer. Read more about our therapists here.
NDIS registered provider
We are a registered NDIS provider and work with self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed clients.
If your are an NDIS provider or support coordinator we can provide reliable speech therapy for clients with head and neck cancer in any location. Refer a client and we’ll connect you to the right clinician.
Is online speech therapy effective?
Yes! A growing body of evidence shows that online delivery of therapy can be as effective as face to face. Online therapy has many other benefits too, including being convenient and accessible for people in regional and rural areas.
How does online speech therapy work?
At Umbo online therapy is not just zoom plus business-as-usual. It’s much more diverse than simply videoconferencing. Umbo therapists provide an individualised approach to each person, using the latest evidence, and a variety of technologies and engagement techniques.
Umbo champions person-centred therapy. It means the person and their family/support people leads the conversation. We believe that the most effective therapy occurs when support is given in the environment where the person lives, learns, works or plays. Therefore we work with the family, and teach skills to you or to other supporters. This means you’re achieving real-life goals, rather than just achieving goals in a clinic.
We are a certified social enterprise helping Australian families access allied health services.