UNION HOSPITAL SERVICES

Medical Rehabilitation Center

Speech Therapy

Speech therapists are specially trained to diagnose and treat patients with speech/language, cognition, and/or swallowing problems. They may be unable to speak clearly or understand what is said to them. Swallowing problems may put the patient at nutritional risk, as well as at risk for medical complications such as pneumonia. Union Hospital Medical Rehabilitation has a staff of highly trained speech pathologists to assist in reducing these difficult and frustrating problems.

The speech pathologist:

• evaluates and treats speech/language problems.
• treats patients with communication problems and tries to establish an effective form of communication.
• may work in special group sessions.
• evaluates and treats cognitive problems.
• will perform a swallowing evaluation, if needed, and requested by the physician.
• will identify the safest means for nutrition if swallowing problems are found.
• will assess cognitive function in relation to driving skills and suggest further evaluations necessary to determine the potential for safe driving.