Individuals experiencing the physical effects of an injury or medical condition may benefit from physical, occupational or speech therapy services, or a combination of the three. We are here to help you return to maximum independence.
Speech Therapy provides evaluations and treatment of swallowing disorders, cognitive disorders and speech/language and voice problems resulting from strokes, head injuries, respiratory issues, and other medical complications. Our services can assist those struggling with:
- Vocal loudness or sound quality
- Voice and fluency disorders
- Speaking or understanding speech
- Memory
- Parkinson’s disease
- Concussion Symptoms
- Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing (dysphagia)
- Coughing or choking when eating food or drinking liquids
Some of our specialized Speech Therapy services include LSVT LOUD for Parkinson’s Disease, Neuromusclar Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for swallowing disorders, and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS).
To learn more about outpatient speech therapy, for referral assistance, or to schedule an appointment, call 815-705-3620.
Where Can I Go for Speech Therapy?
Outpatient speech therapy is provided at the Morris Hospital YMCA, 2200 W. Dupont Avenue in Morris. Phone 815-705-3620.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are signs of language or voice changes that may indicate a need for speech therapy?
The following language or voice changes may indicate a person could benefit from Speech Therapy:
- Difficulty finding words to communicate in simple conversation or basic needs.
- Difficulty understanding simple directions, or yes/no questions, or more complex directions or questions such as “reach for your walker, then stand up” or “Is it the morning or the afternoon.”
- Mixing pronouns often, such as: “He said he was coming at 12.” (but meaning a woman “she”)
- Reporting an inability to read the newspaper or books any longer because the words do not make sense.
- Avoid writing because the letters are jumbled.
- Speaking unclearly or becoming non-verbal.
- Running out of air when speaking or voice becomes hoarse or goes in and out when speaking.
- Speaking volume is low accompanied by difficulty raising the voice.
- New onset stuttering.
- Slurred speech.
- Unusual speech (very monotone, voice cracks, or sudden changes in pitch).
If these language or voice changes are occuring, ask your provider for a referral for a speech therapy evaluation.
What are signs of possible swallowing deficits that may indicate a need for speech therapy?
The following are signs of possible swallowing deficits that may indicate a person could benefit from Speech Therapy:
- Choking
- Clearning throat when eating and drinking
- Coughing while eating or drinking
- Chronic drooling or coughing on secretions
- Pain when swallowing
- Complaints of food sticking
- Complaints of difficulty chewing or taking a long time to eat meals
- Avoidance of certain foods or drinking liquids only a certain way to avoid a problem
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Changes in breathing patterns (increased shortness of breath, crackles or wetness after drinking)
- Frequent fevers or upper respiratory infections without explanations
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If these swallowing deficits are occuring, ask your provider for a referral for a speech therapy evaluation.
What are signs of possible cognitive difficulties that may indicate a need for speech therapy?
The following are signs of possible cognitive difficulties that may indicate a person could benefit from Speech Therapy:
- Poor memory that requires education to family/caregiver to aid activities of daily living.
- Increased short term memory deficit.
- Reduced problem solving.
- Recent change in reduced orientation.
- Difficulty sequencing tasks such as how to get out of bed, cooking tasks, and other daily tasks.
- Difficulty following a more complex conversation, or understanding bills, medications.
- Change in ability to manage medications, money, scheduling of appointments.
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If these cognitive difficulties are occuring, ask your provider for a referral for a speech therapy evaluation.
What if I need a ride to therapy?
Should you need assistance with transportation to one of your therapy appointments, please notify our scheduling representative at the time that you schedule your therapy appointment. We will do our best to connect you with transportation resources that may be available, including the Morris Hospital Patient Transportation service.
Why should I choose Morris Hospital for speech therapy?
Morris Hospital is known for delivering personalized care where patients are treated like family. The same is true for speech therapy where patients receive therapy from highly qualified, licensed therapists, many who have achieved a greater depth of knowledge and skills by achieving specialized certifications including:
- LSVT LOUD (treatment of Parkinson’s disease)
- VStim/NMES
You can also count on our therapy team to stay in touch with your physician to ensure the delivery of focused, safe and effective care. We are also committed to guiding you through exercises that can be done independently so you can continue your progress at home.
Our rehabilitation team also includes physical and occupational therapists and athletic trainers should you need additional services.
