We provide speech therapy online for children, adolescents and adults with swallowing problems.
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 swallowing problems?
Speech therapy can play a crucial role in assisting individuals with swallowing problems, a condition known as dysphagia. Here are several ways in which speech therapy can benefit these individuals:
1. **Assessment**: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) perform detailed evaluations to identify the specific nature and cause of swallowing difficulties. This helps in developing tailored treatment plans.
2. **Swallowing Techniques**: SLPs teach specific techniques and strategies to improve swallowing safety and efficiency. This may include modifications in posture, pacing, and the way food is presented.
3. **Diet Modifications**: SLPs can recommend dietary changes, such as altering food textures and liquid thickness. Customized diet plans can help minimize the risk of choking and aspiration.
4. **Strengthening Exercises**: Speech therapy may involve exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles involved in swallowing. These exercises enhance muscle coordination and function, which can lead to improved swallowing ability.
5. **Safe Swallowing Strategies**: Therapists teach safe swallowing strategies, including how to chew food properly, appropriate sip sizes, and techniques like the chin tuck strategy to protect the airway during swallowing.
6. **Education and Training**: SLPs educate patients and caregivers about swallowing difficulties, giving them tools and knowledge to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
7. **Adaptive Equipment**: Speech therapy may involve the recommendation of adaptive equipment, such as specialized utensils or cups, which can make eating and drinking safer and more manageable.
8. **Rehabilitation Post-Stroke or Injury**: For individuals recovering from a stroke or other neurological conditions, speech therapy can be an essential part of the rehabilitation process, helping regain swallowing function.
9. **Coordination with Medical Team**: SLPs often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, like doctors and nutritionists, to provide comprehensive management of swallowing difficulties, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to care.
10. **Improving Quality of Life**: Addressing swallowing problems can significantly enhance overall quality of life, allowing individuals to enjoy meals, participate in social gatherings, and maintain nutritional health.
In summary, speech therapy provides critical support for individuals with swallowing disorders, focusing not only on physical improvements but also on enhancing overall well-being and 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 swallowing problems. 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 swallowing problems 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.