TalkTools

Ask a Therapist: Therapy Techniques for Adults

Hi Sara,

Do you have a course for adults yet? My Dad is 95, has experienced several TIAs, and I would like to be able to assist him in regaining his muscle functioning.

I also notice how many of the seniors have difficulty chewing and swallowing. I am a certified orofacial myofunctional therapist through the IAOM. I have several ideas, but when I saw that you developed a program, I am most interested. I didn’t see any program listed as available?

Thanks for your assistance

Hi,

I have just finished my newest book on my work with adults and am in the process of creating a 1-day class on the subject.  It is not on video as yet but I will be offering it “live” at numerous locations this Fall and my book should be coming out within the next six months.  I realize that does not help you now so let me give you a few suggestions of how to work with your dad.

As you mentioned, many of the seniors do have difficulty chewing and swallowing in addition to having speech clarity disorders.  I have developed a program to address the oral phase of feeding and speech clarity which includes improved mobility in the jaw, lips, cheeks and tongue.  The two basic programs are:  Bite-Tube Hierarchy and Straw Drinking Hierarchy.

The straws can be used with or without liquid.  If your dad is able to follow directions then I would also include the Jaw Grading Bite Blocks in your treatment plan.  Each of these therapy tools comes with directions as I developed them with an engineer and have been using them for over 20 years with my adult clients.
If you decide to use these tools, please read the directions first and then contact me with any questions.
I hope this answers your question.
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