Speech & Language Therapy

Many of our service users have communication difficulties, together with specific difficulty in making choices. Speech and language therapists help to overcome these problems. Individually tailored person centred communication packages are developed for each individual depending on his or her ability. They are routinely reviewed.

All Independence Homes staff receive training on a range of communication approaches, such as Signalong, PECS, touch cues and objects of reference, to support service users with profound communication difficulties in their activities of daily living. Whilst other service users require support to maintain and/or to develop their verbal communication skills.

Signalong is based on British Sign language, adapted to incorporate total communication; including eye movement, body language, posture, gestures and mannerisms.

PECS stands for picture exchange communication system, and utilises relevant pictures/photos to develop speech and communication, empowering individuals to make choices and let their needs be known.

Objects of Reference is a system that helps people communicate their preferences by using actual representative objects.

One service user with severe communication problems is being supported by the use of touch cues, which are physical gestures on the body to support understanding, for example, “two taps” above the individuals top lip to indicate “Time to eat.” He has been noted to regularly raise himself from the chair in the sitting room, when this cue is used, to take himself to the dining room for his meal.

Some of our service users having swallowing difficulty (dysphagia). The speech and language therapist will put in place a programme to ensure the risks are minimised or work in conjunction with occupational therapy to develop practical programmes of support for people who need help with eating and drinking to maintain their independence or to manage a behavioural problems around mealtimes.