Speech Therapy Offered Here

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Speech Language Pathology (Speech Therapy) is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of defects and disorders of the voice and of spoken and written communication. Speech therapists play an important role in working with the aging population. As people age they are likely to have changes that occur in their speech, language, memory and swallowing due to an injury, illness or normal aging. In addition, their chances of having a stroke or developing dementia or Parkinson’s disease increase, as do the chances of acquiring a communication or swallowing disorder related to these diseases.

Speech therapists provide vital services to those individuals who do have communication, cognitive, or swallowing impairments following illness, trauma, or disease. Speech therapists also have a role in preventing communication and swallowing disorders by promoting a healthy lifestyle and educating consumers about how to prevent stroke and other disorders that may lead to impairment.

Who should receive speech therapy?
• Individuals that have swallowing difficulties
• Individuals who have trouble with memory or have increased confusion
• Individuals who cannot follow simple commands or have trouble understanding
• Individuals who cannot formulate words or sentences correctly
• Individuals who have slurred speech, are very hoarse, or strain to talk
• Individuals who are having trouble reading and writing
• Individuals that have lip, mouth, or tongue weakness, lack of coordination or decreased range of motion

Treatment goals for speech therapy include reducing the disability, educating and counseling on how to cope with the stress associated with speech and communication disorders.

What are the goals of speech therapy?
• Communicate wants and needs effectively
• Able to understand those around them
• Able to be independent and functioning on the least restricted diet possible
• Act as an advocate for patient and family

Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be helped. Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, speech therapists teach people strategies to cope with their problems so that they can live fulfilling and independent lives. It fits nicely in our Community's overall mission to "provide a retirement experience filled with well-being and wholeness".

If you would like more information on speech therapy services, contact our therapy department, which also provides physical and occupational therapy.

Best Nursing Homes in 2011

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Although our Community is far more than "just a nursing home", we are proud that the U.S. News and World Report has listed our nursing facility in their comprehensive report- Best Nursing Homes for 2011.

We have been named due to our overall 5 Star Rating, which is the highest rating from the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A facility's overall rating is geared to its performance in health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality measures in medical care.

The Franklin United Methodist Community offers retirement living options for those wanting independent homes and apartments, assisted living services, dementia care, 24/7 nursing care, skilled nursing rehabilitation services, respite and hospice.

We are proud to be recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as the only Johnson County facility selected for inclusion.

Occupational Therapy is Proven Effective!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Occupational therapy is therapy based on goal-directed treatments that help individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. They assist people in developing the “skills for the job of living” necessary for living and functioning independently. Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals. Their education includes the study of human growth and development, with specific emphasis on the social, emotional and physical effects of illness and injury.

Nearly one-third of occupational therapy practitioners work with older adults. They perform many types of activities, employing many types of therapies, with the overriding goal of helping older adults regain or maintain a level of independence that will allow them to age in place for as long as possible. Occupational therapy has been proven effective for seniors living with various medical conditions or recovering from surgery.

•Education and training in daily living skills such as bathing, dressing and eating
•Using adaptations, such as assistive equipment (walker, cane, shoe horn) and physical environmental design
•Sensorimotor treatment in strengthening, endurance, range of motion, coordination, balance and functional mobility
•Compensation for loss of one or more of the 5 senses
•Therapeutic activity for memory, orientation and cognitive integration
•Prevention and health promotion through conserving energy, proper body mechanics, and joint protection/preservation

Chances are that you or a family member will benefit from occupational therapy services at some point in your life. For more information on how occupational therapy can benefit you now or in the future, visit our therapy department. Occupational therapy is a part of the rehabilitation department at FUMC and services are covered by Medicare, and most insurance plans.

Submitted By: Therapy Department
References: www.aota.org