From toddlers up to seniors, people with speech-language challenges are finding expert help through speech-language pathologists on staff at Swedish Covenant Hospital. The speech-language pathologists on staff treat the full spectrum of cognitive-communicative disorders, as well as swallowing difficulties that can disrupt a person's ability to eat.
Therapy begins with a thorough evaluation and assessment to determine the best course of treatment. After evaluation and assessment, therapy may include:
- High-tech diagnostics
- Computerized teaching tools
- 'Low-tech' coaching, education and exercises
- Family education to ensure patients receive support at home
Fibroendoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
For the treatment of swallowing disorders, Swedish Covenant Hospital is the only facility on Chicago's north side to offer Fibroendoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), which uses a sophisticated flexible endoscope to view the swallow mechanism and provides precise information for diagnosis and treatment. Therapy may include modifications to the consistency of food, exercises to improve tongue and lip movement and strength, and patient/family education on safe feeding techniques.
Benefits Of Speech-Language Therapy
Through an individualized treatment plan, a speech-language pathologist helps patients communicate their thoughts and regain reasoning, memory and swallowing. Therapy in speech-language pathology offers promising results to people who have a variety of conditions such as:
- Speech disorders
- Language disorders
- Cognitive communication disorders
- Voice disorders
- Stuttering
- Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
Other conditions include people who would like to improve their ability to communicate clearly using standard American English and those who cannot speak.
Requirements For Speeech-Language Pathology
Services are offered on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Treatment length varies, as each plan is customized for the individual patient. The goal for each patient is the same: to improve your communication, cognition and/or swallowing to the highest possible level so you can live life to the fullest.
Speech-language therapy is covered by most insurance policies; check with your carrier to be sure. A physician's order is not necessary, but may increase the possibility of obtaining insurance coverage.
