By Avivit Ben-Aharon, M.S.Ed., M.A. CCC SLP, Founder and Clinical Director, Great Speech
Navigating communication challenges is a common yet under-discussed aspect of aging. As families come together for the holidays or other celebrations, these challenges often become more apparent. Many people tend to self-isolate in group settings when they lose confidence in their ability to communicate. This withdrawal from social settings can seriously impact overall mental health.
Speech therapy has a transformative role in improving communication issues. There are many different approaches and categories of speech therapy, and the kind of therapy needed depends on several factors, including age and the specific health condition or speech challenge.
A Journey of Rediscovering Confidence
One woman, Maria*, found herself grappling with a sudden loss of confidence in her communication skills. Her struggle began with a mild stroke that subtly affected her verbal abilities. While not immediately apparent, the impact manifested in difficulties finding words, especially for more complex expressions. Although automatic speech, like recalling familiar songs, remained unaffected, she faced challenges in new social situations, leading to embarrassment and self-consciousness.
Support of a Speech Therapist
As a speech therapist, my role was to uncover the root cause of Maria’s communication struggles. It wasn’t just about addressing the surface-level issues; I needed to understand her experience. Through our sessions, it became clear that Maria’s mild stroke had triggered a cascade of obstacles, from word retrieval difficulties to struggles in remembering names and common objects.
Maria’s therapy journey spanned eight months, consisting of twice-weekly sessions lasting 30 minutes each. We focused both on rebuilding her linguistic skills and on fostering the confidence to navigate social interactions. A crucial aspect involved teaching Maria self-advocacy; how to gracefully communicate her challenges to others and buy herself time to gather her thoughts.
Key Therapeutic Approaches
Below are the three key therapeutic approaches we used to help Maria improve her communication and regain her confidence.
Word Retrieval Skills
A significant portion of therapy targeted retrieving words and remembering skills, addressing Maria’s struggle with finding the right words.
Social Interaction Goals
Setting specific goals for social interactions, such as local library visits or yoga classes, helped Maria practice applying her developing skills in real-life scenarios.
Self-Advocacy Training
Teaching Maria to tell others of her condition provided a safety net, reducing the pressure she felt during conversations.
Around the four-month mark, Maria began noticing significant improvements. She reported feeling stronger in her communication skills. Furthermore, the embarrassment and anxieties she once experienced started to wane. Importantly, Maria’s innate desire to socialize played a pivotal role in her progress. Speech therapy not only addressed her cognitive and linguistic challenges but also aligned with her personality and goals.
Connecting Maria’s Journey to Common Communication Issues
Maria’s experience reflects broader communication challenges faced by many individuals aged 55 and older. Some common communication challenges that occur naturally as we age include:
Hearing Loss
According to the National Council on Aging, hearing loss is extremely common as we age. Nearly 68 percent of Americans in their seventies experience some degree of hearing loss. Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments, can lead to social isolation and frustration.
Speech Clarity
Changes in articulation, voice quality, and speech rate may happen over time. These changes can affect clarity and make it challenging to convey thoughts or engage in conversations effectively.
Language and Word Retrieval
Retrieving specific words or expressions might become slower, causing pauses or difficulty finding the right words during conversations.
Cognitive Changes
Physical, cognitive, and neurological changes affect all of us as we grow older. These changes might impact our attention, memory, and comprehension, affecting our communication abilities through the years. It’s important to recognize and accept that these changes are a typical part of growing older. They are not a reflection of inadequacy or failure. Approaching these changes with self-compassion can help us find alternative communication means and seek out support for new strategies and tools to help maintain our communication abilities as we enter new life chapters.
The Impact of Communication Challenges on Mental Health
Effective communication is intertwined with mental health and well-being. When we find our verbal abilities impacted, we can feel lonely, socially isolated, or anxious, much like Maria did. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), social isolation is an important social determinant of health for older adults. The inability to express ourselves or conduct conversations with friends and family can lead to negative health effects. Studies reflect the importance of healthy social relationships for the physical and mental well-being of older adults. For example, an 85-year-long study by Harvard University confirms this truth: Our relationships and how happy we are in those relationships greatly influence our health.
Older adults who are unable to effectively communicate may experience the following:
● Become reclusive or depressed
● Experience other mental health issues
● Face poorer immune function
● Lower self-rated health
● Increased incidence of disease progression.
How Speech Therapy Can Help
Maria’s story highlights the impact of a speech disorder on mental health. She, like many older adults, faced the challenges of social isolation due to communication difficulties. She found herself retreating from the vibrant social life she once enjoyed, a common response to the pressure of social situations where effective communication becomes a concern. Speech therapy gave her hope and confidence to be her social self again.
Older adults, and their families and caregivers, may not realize how much speech therapy can improve their ability to communicate. Practical speech therapy techniques can significantly enhance verbal skills, facilitating meaningful connections. Speech therapists generally start with a comprehensive assessment of the individual to identify particular challenges and areas for improvement. They set goals, and then provide personalized strategies, exercises, and therapies tailored to specific communication challenges. For example, you can enhance speech clarity through articulation exercises and speaking slowly and deliberately. Strengthening language skills involves engaging in word retrieval exercises, reading aloud, and participating in stimulating conversations. Additionally, engaging in mental exercises such as puzzles or memory games supports cognitive stimulation, helping to maintain mental sharpness and communication abilities.
Speech therapists can also identify and recommend if comprehensive hearing evaluations should occur. Assistive listening devices, such as hearing aids, can contribute to improved communication abilities. Communication includes both the ability to speak and the ability to hear. These professionals are also trained to help older adults with neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, or Parkinson’s disease (PD). These individuals, in particular, often feel challenged by isolation and loneliness due to their impacted communication abilities.
Technology and Virtual Speech Therapy
Traditional, in-person speech therapy is very effective in helping older adults with communication concerns, and now, with technology, speech therapists can provide their services virtually. That means anyone with a smart device or computer has the opportunity to improve their communication skills. This is particularly helpful for older adults residing in geographic areas where speech therapy services are limited, or who have concerns about transportation, weather, mobility, or their health. Another benefit of virtual access is that virtual visits provide more flexibility.
Are you worried that your loved one won’t feel comfortable working with a virtual speech therapist? The truth is, many older adults have a strong comfort level with technology, which makes virtual speech therapy a preferred option for many. According to the Pew Research Center, the adoption of technology by Americans in the oldest age group has grown “markedly” over the past decade. Sixty-one percent of those 65 and older own a smartphone and 45 percent reported using social media. Another study from the National Institute on Aging Trends of adults aged 65 years and older found 88 percent of participants who were not socially isolated had a working cell phone, 71 percent reported having a working computer, and 56 percent also said they used email or text messaging.
How Families Can Provide Support
Families can play a vital role in supporting older members facing communication challenges. For example, creating an inclusive and accommodating environment is crucial. Families can opt for quieter settings during gatherings, ensuring comfortable spaces for conversation. One-on-one or small-group interactions, rather than large, overwhelming festivities, tend to facilitate more manageable and enjoyable conversations for loved ones with communication issues.
Perhaps most importantly, make an effort to involve your loved one in discussions. Be patient, listen attentively, and allow sufficient time for them to express themselves to foster a supportive atmosphere. Use clear and straightforward language and try to minimize interruptions to allow them to share their thoughts at their own pace.
Conclusion
We know effective communication is integral to maintaining connections and enjoying social interactions, especially during the holidays. As illustrated by Maria’s journey, speech therapy can provide techniques and tools to improve communication and decrease feelings of isolation.
Know that resources are available to provide practical techniques and professional support to both improve communication issues and navigate social expectations. Keep in mind that customized speech therapy empowers individuals to express themselves effectively. This fosters confidence and enriches connections during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Disclaimer: While inspired by a real-life therapeutic journey, the name “Maria” in this article has been modified to preserve the individual’s privacy. This article is not meant as medical advice; please consult a healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns.
About the Author: Avivit Ben-Aharon, MS ED., MA CCC SLP
Avivit Ben-Aharon, MS ED., MA CCC SLP is the Founder and Clinical Director at Great Speech, Inc., a virtual speech therapy company founded in 2014. She is recognized as a trailblazer for nationwide virtual access to speech therapy, allowing anyone who is committed to improving their communication to receive expert services, regardless of location or scheduling limitations. Her work has been featured on Forbes, Good Morning America, US News and World Report, Miami Herald, and more. She holds an undergraduate and a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The City University of New York. She earned a Master of Science in Special Education and Teaching from Hunter College. Connect with her or her amazing team of therapists at www.greatspeech.com.
FAQs About Virtual Speech Therapy for Older Adults
Below are some common questions we hear from our readers about virtual speech therapy for older adults.
What is virtual speech therapy?
Virtual speech therapy is a remote method of delivering speech-language therapy services through digital platforms. It allows individuals to receive therapy from the comfort of their homes using video conferencing technology.
How does virtual speech therapy work?
Virtual speech therapy involves real-time communication between a speech-language therapist and a client using video conferencing software. Therapists can conduct assessments, provide interventions, and engage in interactive activities to address speech and language concerns.
What equipment is needed for virtual speech therapy?
Typically, a device with a camera and microphone, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone, is required. Additionally, a stable internet connection and any specific materials recommended by the therapist may be necessary for certain activities.
How are assessments conducted in virtual speech therapy?
Speech-language therapists can conduct assessments virtually using a combination of standardized tests, informal observations, and interactive activities. The therapist may also involve caregivers to gather information about the individual’s communication skills in different settings.
Is virtual speech therapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance providers now offer coverage for virtual speech therapy services. It’s recommended to check with your specific insurance company to understand the extent of coverage and any requirements for reimbursement.
What should I expect during a virtual speech therapy session?
Virtual speech therapy sessions typically involve a combination of assessments, interactive exercises, and activities tailored to address the individual’s communication goals. Sessions may also include guidance for caregivers on how to support therapy goals outside of sessions.
