Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is available to patients who may have a variety of neurologica and structure impairments. These may include stroke, head injury, cerevral anoxia, and other forms of damage to the brain. Neurological disorders, such as dementia or Parkinson's Disease, and head/neck cancer can also result in swallowing and/or communication disorders.
Speech and language pathologists provide the following specialized professional services:
- Education to family and caregivers.
- Assessment of speech, language, voice, and swallowing skills.
- Speech, language, and cognitive therapy.
- Swallowing therapy.
- Modified Barium Swallow studies.
- Provision of alternative communication devices and strategies.
- Outreach speech therapy services.
- Video swallows.
Our Staff
The Sanford Hospital Luverne Rehabilitation Services Department is staffed by one of the most experienced rehabilitative teams in the area. Our therapists are held to the highest ethical standards, as they are all members of national professional organizations. The rehab team includes: seven physical therapists, two physical therapy assistants, four occupational therapists, one speech language pathologist, three massage therapists, and four rehabilitation aides.
Speech therapists:
(Picture of speech therapist - http://sanfordluverne.org/images/contentmgmt/ST.jpg)
- Patty graduated with a master's degree in communication disorders from the University of South Dakota in 1988. Her areas of special interest are: swallowing and communication deficits in the geriatric population. Her most recent training includes strategy to increase communication with Dementia patients, tube feeding in the elderly, and informed consent for the Dysphagia patient in rehab/palliative care.
Rehabilitation Services are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays for inpatients. To schedule an appointment, please call SHL at (507) 283-2321, or the department directly at (507) 449-1229.