Dysarthria is a condition when the muscles used to control speech are affected. It’s common after a stroke, but other traumatic brain injuries or nervous system issues can cause it. People with brain tumors, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy can all experience dysarthria. After your dad’s stroke, he’s unable to talk. He needs to start working with a speech therapy provider to build strength in his neck muscles and vocal cords.
What exercises is he likely going to learn from a speech therapy aide?
Use Assistive Devices
Your dad may need to use assistive devices like an alphabet board, whiteboard, or tablet that he types messages on. He may need to work on breathing skills to ensure he’s getting enough air and breathing normally while talking.
An incentive spirometer is used to help build muscles to take deep breaths. This can be an important part of having enough air to talk. It helps build strength in the airways and lungs.
Practice Individual Sounds
Gaining comfort in saying some sounds is challenging after a stroke. Your dad’s speech therapist is going to go through common sounds and figure out what your dad can do and what he needs to practice. He might do well with sharp sounds like ay, eye, or oh, but he has a hard time with softer sounds like eh.
The S and R sounds can be especially challenging after a stroke. His speech therapist will help him learn how to make these sounds correctly and slow down when needed to speak clearly. The more he practices them, the easier it is when he starts speaking in phrases and sentences.
Learn to Get Attention First
Your dad will learn how to speak to others, and that may mean raising a finger to signal he wants to say something. Eye contact is another good way for him to get attention. He should practice these techniques and get comfortable with them.
When you’re talking to your dad, make sure you make eye contact. Speak slowly so that he can understand what you’re saying, too.
Practice Common Phrases
Your dad’s speech therapist is going to have him practice common phrases a lot. He may spend hours each week saying “My name is…” or “I live at…” The more he practices, the easier it becomes.
Don’t let him become frustrated and give up. Frustration is normal, as it’s hard to start from scratch. But, giving up is the wrong move as he’ll only get better by trying again and again.
Speech therapy is going to help your dad communicate in the most effective way for him. He may never fully recover the speech skills he had in the past, but what matters is that he can get his message across to others. Call our speech therapy office to make the necessary arrangements.
If you or a family member need to hire Speech Therapy Services in Stonybrook NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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