Overview of the role of speech pathologists in aged care in Australia. Including their role in supporting swallowing (dysphagia) and communication needs of people living in residential aged care facilities, both directly (patient contact) and indirectly (education and training and support services). Loqui Speech Pathology services aged care facilities in South East Queensland, Far North Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

1. Speech Pathology:
Aged Care Services
LOQUI Speech
Pathology
Speak | Swallow | Communicate
Working in Residential Aged Care Facilities - Qld & NSW

2. Need for SPs in Aged Care
• Communication problems are common in residential aged care settings, with 95% of residents
living with at least one communication disorder.
• Research estimates that up to 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease have a speech or voice
disorder
• It is estimated that 50% of older adults living with dementia in residential aged care facilities
experience dysphagia
• Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) may affect as much as 22% of people aged 50 and over. This
figure increases to 50% of people living in residential aged care facilities.
(Facts from SPA, 2014)
Speech Pathologists are experienced in the assessment and management of
communication and swallowing disorders of people living in residential aged care
facilities.
As you can see from these statistics – Speech Pathologists are an important member
of the aged care team:

3. Role of SPs in Aged Care
Photo property of Loqui Pty Ltd ©
Assessment and Management of Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Assessment and Management of Communication
Education & Training
Working closely with Staff, Family & EPOA

4. Role of SPs in Aged Care
Assessment and Management of Swallowing
(Dysphagia)
Photo property of Loqui Pty Ltd ©
• Swallowing assessment of residents in aged care facilities.
• Recommend thickened fluids or modified diets for swallow safety.
• Provide swallowing exercises or safe swallow
strategies to improve safety for residents.
• Assessment and care planning for residents around
mealtime planning.

5. Role of SPs in Aged Care
Assessment and Management of Communication
• Language assessment, speech assessment, voice assessment or
communication skills assessment.
• Support changes in communication caused by general ageing,
stroke, neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, Dementia), etc.
• Implement assistive, augmentative or alternative
communication systems (communication boards,
iPads, etc.)
• Providing training and strategies to staff on
how best to communicate with residents. Photo property of Loqui Pty Ltd ©

6. Role of SPs in Aged Care
Education & Training
Training to staff on topics such as:
 Swallowing Disorders: Dysphagia
 Swallowing in Ageing
 Modified Textures and Thickened fluids
 Swallowing Safety and improving oral
intake.
 Minimising Aspiration Risks
 Speech Pathology in Palliative Care
 What is a Texture B, minced and moist
diet?
 How to thicken fluids?
 Supportive Feeding Techniques and
Strategies
 Communication disorders: Dysphasia,
Dysarthria and Dysphonia
 Communication in the Aged

7. Role of SPs in Aged Care
Working closely with Staff, Family & EPOA
• Support for family and staff
• Education of swallowing physiology and aspiration risks
• Communication Partner Training to increase communicative efficiency
• Support to balance safety and Quality of Life decisions
• Support during Palliative Care time
• Strong presence as member of aged care multidisciplinary team
• Effective consultation with all team members including: GP, Nursing Staff,
Clinical Managers, Other Allied Health Professionals, Family/EPOA, etc.

8. Tips for Communicating
with older adults
• Go slowly and allow extra time – particularly for more
complex discussions.
• Sit face to face and communicate at eye level
• Hold conversations in a quiet, comfortable environment.
Ensure good lighting and minimise visual and auditory
distractions
• Check that sensory aids are working, in place and turned on
(e.g. hearing aids, glasses)
• Speak clearly and stick to one topic at a time
(Tips from FACTSHEET SPA, 2014 )