Focus on Geriatric and Adult Services : service delivery

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:42:00 GMT

In our personal lives, we all meet people with whom we don't "click;" people we are polite to, but we don't seek out their company. It could be that we do not have interests in common with that person, or that we have very different life experiences,...(read more)

Patient-Centered Dining

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:12:00 GMT

Recently, a staff member at a facility casually asked me what I was going to do next year, "when everyone had to eat a regular diet." I asked what she meant by a "regular diet," and she that nursing homes would no longer be allowed to serve pureed or...(read more)

A Team Approach

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:22:00 GMT

To be honest, I find that collaborate more naturally with Occupational Therapists than Physical Therapists. This is not because I prefer or value one discipline over another in any way, but because OT goals seem to overlap more with ST goals than PT goals...(read more)

Better Speech and Hearing Month

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:59:00 GMT

In May, I usually try to think up some new and creative ways to celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month. ASHA, of course, provides resources here . This year, I have to admit that I am sort of struggling to come up with something creative and new to...(read more)

Model Appropriate Behavior

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:54:00 GMT

The week of April 15, 2013, was stressful, tragic and emotional to most people at some level, beginning with the bombs at the Boston Marathon, and the search for the suspects in Boston, as well as the explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. As...(read more)

Reducing Reevaluations

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:53:00 GMT

While some patients in skilled nursing facilities are there for short-term stays in order to receive various therapy and nursing services, others will remain with us for months, years, or possibly for the rest of their lives. We expect to see some patients...(read more)

Strengths of the Elderly

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:58:00 GMT

One of the more frequent questions I get about working in a skilled nursing facility is, "Isn't it depressing (or sad, etc)?" To be honest, on some days it can be, if we choose to focus on only certain parts of our jobs there. People are sick, and often...(read more)

Struggling with Language

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:16:00 GMT

We are all on a journey. I left for a week's vacation in Istanbul, and while I was there, I heard the news that a fellow SLP and ADVANCE blogger passed away. Kathie Harrington was a dedicated professional whose work in our field was greatly appreciated....(read more)

What Do You Do?

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:46:00 GMT

Almost every Speech-Language Pathologists whom I have met across every setting has one or more stories of misconceptions about what SLPs as professionals do, from family demands to the expectations of other professionals and staff. It can humorous, and...(read more)

The Power of Music

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:47:00 GMT

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo Let me preface this week's blog post by stating that I am not a music therapist, and that more information about music therapy can be found here . I do...(read more)

Transitioning to LTC, Part 3

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:14:00 GMT

Here are some final ideas help with the transitioning patient with more severe dementia into a new living environment: Depending on the patient's level of function, all of the suggestions previously given for higher level patients should be considered...(read more)

Transitioning to LTC, Part 1

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:40:00 GMT

One of the more difficult experiences a family faces is choosing to place a loved one in a Skilled Nursing Facility for long-term care. SLPs in long-term care meet families almost daily who are experiencing worry, fear, guilt, anxiety, and possibly even...(read more)

Therapy Tasks Incorporating Puzzles

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:17:00 GMT

Jigsaw puzzles and foam or wooden shape sorting puzzles can target several communication and cognitive goals during therapy. I have found packs of three sturdy twenty-five piece puzzles for under ten dollars at a local grocery store in the educational...(read more)

Seasonal Crafts

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:09:00 GMT

Holiday or seasonal craft activities can target many cognitive and language skills, while giving both the SLP and the residents a break from workbook activities, paper and pencil tasks, and lists of questions and directions. I have a favorite coloring...(read more)

Treating the Dementia Patient at Meal Time, Part 1

Jennifer Kay-Williams — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:18:00 GMT

Many patients with dementia are described by family and caregivers as having decreased appetites or as having lost interest in meals. Many of these same patients will continue to eat sweets, snacks, or consume beverages, but will not sit for long enough...(read more)