It’s been 3 wonderful years since I started this blog and website… so how are we doing? Today I looked back at my very first post– These were the questions I had. I’m pleased to say I’ve been able to start answering each of these questions!
- WHAT IF SPEECH THERAPY COULD BE THE FAVORITE, AND NOT THE MOST DREADED? Yes! We now know that research supports using personally-relevant language AND cognitive therapy prompts and contexts… this has been shown to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Want to read more? See Top 10 for Person-Centered Care.
- WHAT IF PATIENTS UNDERSTOOD WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON, AND WHY? Then therapy is going to be meaningful, and we are going to get great results! To start with, we need to be doing collaborative Functional Goal-Setting. Check out Goal Makeovers or Writing Functional Goals!
- WHAT DO WE WORK ON IF INSURANCE ONLY ALLOWS US XX NUMBER OF VISITS? We need to ensure that those few visits matter. Often times, this means Tossing The Workbooks and Closing the Game Closets in order to use evidence-based practice. Check out TBI Guidelines or Functional Treatment for Cognition.
- WHAT IF THERE WAS A WAY TO RECOMMEND HOME PROGRAMS THAT DIDN’T RELY ON WORKSHEETS? Home programs should continue the work you’ve started with meeting a functional need. Read more at Functional Home Programs or Home Program Makeover.
- WHAT IF THE PATIENT, FAMILY, AND SLP COULD ACT AS A TEAM FOR INCREASING MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY OR INDEPENDENCE AT HOME? This is the best way. As SLPs using person-centered care, we are true teammates in the rehabilitation process, and we need patients and families to work with us for the best results! Check out the Conversational Partner Training Packet, something that has become my #1 priority now when working with communication deficits.