columbushosp.org 15 Speech therapy boosts communication and confidence For nearly 20 years, Michell Ruskamp has helped transform lives as a speech-language pathologist — primarily at Columbus Community Hospital. “I have the best job on the planet,” she said. Ruskamp finds fulfillment in forging strong connections with her patients and helping them reclaim some of life’s important moments — whether that’s saying “I love you” to a spouse once again or being able to swallow well enough to enjoy their favorite foods. And while you probably know that speech therapy helps people overcome communication difficulties, it might surprise you to learn all the other ways it helps people get their lives back on track. How speech therapy helps Speech therapists at CCH work with people to address communication challenges resulting from many different conditions, including strokes; head and neck cancers; progressive neurological diseases, like Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis and Huntington’s disease; vocal cord dysfunction; and concussions and traumatic brain injuries. For example, a stroke survivor might have aphasia — a condition that diminishes their ability to communicate. A person with neck cancer could have trouble swallowing. Someone with Parkinson’s disease may develop a soft, quiet voice, making it a challenge to be heard and understood. A family might need help communicating with a loved one who has dementia. In these and many other situations, speech therapists work one-on-one with people to help them improve their communication and swallowing abilities, as well as their cognitive communication skills. Speech therapists teach their patients to: ● Perform special exercises that target muscles used for swallowing or in vocalizing. ● Use alternative forms of communication besides talking, from simple strategies to high-tech speech generation devices. ● Implement strategies to improve attention or memory. ● Improve the strength of their voice. Speech therapy helps restore a better quality of life. It also helps prevent social isolation, which could happen when people can’t communicate well. “You don’t need to go outside of the community to receive the care you need,” Ruskamp noted. “We have highly qualified therapists right here.” Care for all ages For adult speech therapy at Rehab Services at the Wellness Center, call 402-562-3333. For pediatric speech services, you can make an appointment by calling Wiggles & Giggles Therapy for Kids at 402-562-3341. Michell Ruskamp, MS, CCC-SLP, assistant director of Rehabilitative Services, works with a patient.
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