By: Brittany Austin, Vice President of Health and Wellness, Functional Pathways
A simple conversation with a spouse. Ordering lunch with friends. Calling a grandchild. Sharing a story. Asking for help. Remembering a name. Enjoying a favorite meal without difficulty. Following directions from a physician. Expressing pain, joy, gratitude, or concern.
These everyday moments are powered by something many of us take for granted until it becomes more difficult: our ability to speak, hear, process language, think clearly, and swallow safely.
Each May, Better Hearing and Speech Month, recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, serves as an important reminder of how deeply communication influences our health, independence, relationships, and overall quality of life. It also shines a spotlight on the healthcare professionals who help individuals regain these essential skills when illness, injury, aging, or neurological changes create new challenges.
We see the life-changing impact of speech therapy every day. While many people associate speech therapy with helping children pronounce words or build language skills, speech language pathology plays an equally critical role in helping older adults maintain independence, confidence, and connection as they navigate changes related to stroke recovery, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and swallowing disorders.
Speech therapy is not simply about helping someone speak more clearly. It is about preserving dignity, restoring confidence, and helping individuals remain connected to the people and moments that matter most.
What Does a Speech Language Pathologist Do?
Speech language pathologists, often called SLPs, are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating and treating challenges involving communication, cognition, voice, and swallowing. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, part of the National Institutes of Health, speech language pathologists support individuals whose medical conditions affect their ability to communicate effectively, process information, or safely eat and drink.
An SLP may work with someone who is struggling to find the right words after a stroke, experiencing memory changes related to dementia, noticing reduced vocal strength associated with Parkinson’s disease, or having difficulty swallowing safely during meals. At Functional Pathways, our speech language pathologists collaborate closely with interdisciplinary care teams to develop individualized treatment plans that support each patient’s unique goals, abilities, and quality of life.
The Connection Between Speech Therapy and Brain Health
One of the most powerful and often overlooked aspects of speech therapy is cognitive rehabilitation.
Cognition influences nearly every part of daily life, from remembering appointments and following conversations to making decisions, solving problems, and managing routines. While some cognitive changes may occur naturally with age, research from the National Institute on Aging shows that mentally stimulating activities may help support memory, attention, and overall cognitive health throughout the aging process. Research published by Harvard Medical School further supports the idea that lifelong learning and cognitive engagement may contribute to healthier brain function over time.
This is possible because of neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, grow, and create new neural connections throughout life.
Speech language pathologists often incorporate cognitive exercises that challenge processing speed, short-term memory, attention, problem solving, and executive functioning. Something as simple as completing a crossword puzzle, learning a new hobby, playing chess, reading unfamiliar material, or engaging in meaningful social conversation can help stimulate these important cognitive pathways. Much like our muscles respond to physical exercise, our brains respond to mental exercise.
Speech Therapy Also Supports Safe Swallowing
Many people are surprised to learn that speech-language pathology extends far beyond communication.
Speech language pathologists also specialize in swallowing and oral motor function, both of which are essential to nutrition, hydration, respiratory health, and overall safety. According to the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders, dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects millions of adults and can significantly impact quality of life.
When swallowing becomes difficult, everyday experiences such as enjoying a meal with family or staying properly hydrated can become stressful, uncomfortable, or even dangerous. Speech language pathologists are specially trained to assess challenges related to chewing, tongue coordination, oral motor strength, breathing patterns, and safe food or liquid intake. Through individualized treatment strategies, these clinicians help patients improve safety, comfort, nutrition, and confidence during one of life’s most meaningful daily activities.
Finding a Calling in Speech Language Pathology
For Mia Fioranelli-Greer, speech-language pathology became more than a profession. It became a calling.
“When the Dean of Undecided at Delta State University told me it was time to declare a major, I slightly panicked. How are you supposed to know what you want to be when you grow up at 19 years old? After taking my first class in speech language pathology, I knew I had found my calling.”
After more than two decades of clinical practice, Mia continued pursuing new ways to grow professionally. Her passion eventually led her to advanced training in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, expanding her expertise in swallowing, breathing, chewing, tongue function, and oral motor treatment.
“The knowledge I have gained during this path of life has really helped me become more passionate about my career and look at new and exciting ways to assess and treat my patients. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with some great clinicians and wonderful patients, and Functional Pathways has allowed me to do so.”
Stories like Mia’s remind us that exceptional care begins with clinicians who never stop learning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speech Therapy for Older Adults
What does a speech-language pathologist do for older adults?
A speech language pathologist, or SLP, helps older adults improve communication, cognitive function, voice quality, and swallowing safety. These licensed clinicians evaluate and treat challenges related to speech clarity, memory, attention, problem solving, language comprehension, and swallowing difficulties that may occur as part of aging, illness, injury, or neurological conditions.
Can speech therapy help with memory loss and cognitive decline?
Yes. Speech therapy often includes cognitive rehabilitation designed to support memory, attention, processing speed, organization, and problem solving. For older adults experiencing mild cognitive changes, dementia, stroke recovery, or other neurological conditions, speech therapy can help strengthen cognitive skills and support greater independence.
Does speech therapy help people with dementia?
Speech therapy can play an important role in supporting individuals living with dementia. Speech language pathologists may help improve communication strategies, support memory and attention, reduce frustration during conversations, and provide tools that help patients and caregivers navigate cognitive changes more confidently.
Can speech therapy help with swallowing problems?
Absolutely. Speech language pathologists are specially trained to assess and treat swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia. Therapy may focus on strengthening oral motor muscles, improving coordination, recommending safer eating strategies, and helping reduce the risk of choking, dehydration, or aspiration.
According to the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders, swallowing disorders affect millions of adults and can significantly impact quality of life.
When should an older adult see a speech therapist?
An older adult may benefit from speech therapy if they are experiencing difficulty finding words, changes in memory or concentration, slurred speech, a weaker voice, difficulty following conversations, coughing during meals, trouble swallowing, or communication changes following a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or other medical condition.
Is speech therapy covered by Medicare?
In many cases, yes. Speech language therapy may be covered by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it is medically necessary and prescribed as part of a treatment plan. Coverage may vary based on setting, diagnosis, and individual benefits, so it is always important to speak with your provider or therapy team about eligibility.
How does speech therapy support healthy aging?
Speech therapy supports healthy aging by helping older adults maintain communication skills, cognitive function, swallowing safety, and social engagement. These abilities play an essential role in preserving independence, confidence, and overall quality of life as we age.
Why Better Hearing and Speech Month Matters
Communication is about far more than words. It is about connection. It is about dignity. It is about confidence. It is about maintaining the ability to advocate for yourself, participate in meaningful relationships, and continue living life on your own terms.
Whether someone is recovering from a stroke, managing Parkinson’s disease, navigating dementia, or simply noticing changes in memory, swallowing, or communication, speech therapy can play a transformative role in helping them maintain independence and quality of life.
This Better Hearing and Speech Month, we celebrate the speech language pathologists who make those moments possible every single day. If helping others find their voice, regain their confidence, and live with greater independence feels like more than a career, it may be your calling.
Explore Functional Pathways speech language pathology opportunities and discover how you can make a difference in every life you touch.
