Speech Therapists collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic and patient-centered care for individuals facing challenges with speech, language, cognition, voice, fluency, and swallowing.
Our role involves assessing, diagnosing, and managing these difficulties across all age groups, empowering individuals to communicate to the best of their ability and ensuring the safe intake of nutrition.
We collaborate with diverse patient groups, including geriatric, stroke survivors, individuals with brain injuries, Parkinson’s Disease, progressive neurological deficits, disabilities (e.g. cerebral palsy), and those with pervasive childhood communication deficits (e.g. autism, stuttering, apraxia of speech).
Our services are specialised in the following areas: Dysphagia, Neuro, Geriatrics, Nutrition, and Voice.
Dysphagia
Swallowing, a complex process from the mouth to the stomach, can be impaired, leading to dysphagia—a difficulty in swallowing safely, effectively, and promptly. Dysphagia may occur in the elderly, after a stroke, brain injury, chronic or progressive diseases like dementia and Parkinson's, or in individuals with heart, lung, or oral/throat cancer issues.
Management of dysphagia involves a comprehensive understanding through interviews and medical record reviews. Assessment includes checking mouth structures for strength and agility. Swallowing function is evaluated with food of various textures and drinks of different consistencies, determining safety and optimal choices. If there's muscle weakness, exercises are prescribed; compensatory strategies for safer swallowing are taught to the patient and family.
In cases where the nature and severity are unclear, specialised instruments like Videofluoroscopic Study of Swallowing (VFSS) and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are employed. VFSS uses barium-coated food and drinks for a video X-ray of their movement in the mouth, throat, and stomach. FEES involves placing a camera-equipped scope through the nose to observe food and drink movement in the throat.
Neuro
In our Neuro clinic, we primarily address communication challenges such as aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, cognitive-communication deficits (e.g., memory difficulties), and stuttering. These issues often stem from neurological injuries like stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain cancer, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease.
Management begins with a thorough understanding obtained through interviews and medical record reviews. Assessments, using locally relevant tests, determine the nature and severity of communication difficulties. Once a diagnosis is confirmed and intervention areas identified, Speech Therapists initiate therapy. This may involve naming and conversation practice for aphasia, speech drills for dysarthria and apraxia of speech, and memory strategies for cognitive-communication difficulties.
Geriatrics
Our elderly population often faces swallowing and communication difficulties, primarily linked to conditions like dementia. This may result in challenges with food and water intake, as well as safe swallowing. Cognitive-communication deficits, such as memory difficulties, are also common.
The management approach for dysphagia and communication difficulties aligns with what is described in the "Dysphagia" and "Neuro" sections. However, there is a specific emphasis on close collaboration with geriatric doctors, dietitians, physiotherapists, caregivers, and family members. Caregiver training plays a significant role in geriatric management, focusing on teaching safe feeding strategies, suitable swallow exercises for the elderly, and recognizing signs of deterioration in swallowing and communication abilities.
Nutrition
Our nutrition clinic involves a collaborative effort with Dietitians, nutrition experts. During a visit to the Nutrition clinic, patients consult with both a Speech Therapist and a Dietitian simultaneously. This service is designed for individuals transitioning from non-oral feeding methods (e.g., nasogastric tube) and those experiencing both dysphagia and nutritional challenges. The management approach focuses on optimizing the patient's nutrition while ensuring the safety of feeding.
Voice
A voice disorder occurs when vocal quality, pitch, or volume deviates from normal, affecting effective communication. Causes may include growths, inflammation, nerve issues, hormonal changes, and vocal misuse, common among individuals with vocally demanding jobs. Teachers, salespersons, singers, and emcees are examples.
Voice assessment involves understanding concerns, observing voice usage, and using specialized equipment. Collaboration with the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department allows for stroboscopic evaluation of the larynx, offering a magnified view and video recording of vocal cord movements.
Voice therapy includes vocal exercises, practical application of techniques in speaking scenarios, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Individualised treatment plans are tailored to meet specific needs and conditions.
How can I schedule a Speech Therapy appointment?
- All outpatient Speech Therapy sessions are available by appointment only.
- Sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes.
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment for registration.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call our appointment hotline (Tel: 6363 8000).
- Patients arriving late may be seen at our discretion or may need to be rescheduled.
