Speech Care at Home

Unlock the potential of ancient wisdom in stroke recovery on our latest blog! 🌿 A groundbreaking study reveals that active components in Ginkgo Biloba, a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, enhance cognitive recovery after a stroke. Extracted from the ginkgo tree, this natural powerhouse, though not FDA-approved, showcases promising results in a large randomized controlled study. With improved cognitive scores and neuroprotective effects, Ginkgo Biloba could be a game-changer. If you or a loved one is on the road to stroke recovery, our specialized speech therapy practice offers personalized support. Call us today at (813) 344-3207 to embark on a journey toward renewed cognitive abilities and improved quality of life. 🌟

Check out the blog here:
https://speechcareathome.com/ginkgo-biloba-a-traditional-chinese-herbal-remedy-boosting-stroke-recovery

What is cognitive flexibility and why does it matter?

Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to adapt and switch between different cognitive processes, thoughts, or tasks. It involves the capacity to adjust one's thinking in response to changing demands, new information, or diverse perspectives.

For clinicians, cognitive flexibility is crucial in tailoring therapy approaches to individual needs. It enables adapting interventions based on patient responses and addressing evolving challenges during the therapeutic process.

For patients, cognitive flexibility fosters adaptive thinking, problem-solving, and resilience. It is instrumental in navigating complex communication scenarios and adjusting strategies to enhance overall communication skills.

Ways to Develop Cognitive Flexibility:

🔄 Vary your routine
🌐 Embrace new experiences
🎨 Foster creative thinking
🚫 Embrace challenges, avoid shortcuts
🤝 Expand social circles actively
📚 Apply learning to different contexts
🤔 Reevaluate and challenge your beliefs

Now please share some ideas on how you incorporate these tips into your daily life! The journey to greater cognitive flexibility begins now! 💪🧠

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled and honored to announce that Speech Care at Home has been featured on the National Aphasia Association's website as a trusted provider! 🌐💙

At Speech Care at Home, we are dedicated to helping individuals with aphasia rediscover their voice and communicate with confidence. Being recognized by the National Aphasia Association is a testament to our commitment to excellence in speech therapy.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team and the National Aphasia Association for this recognition! 🙌✨

Check out our listing here:
https://aphasia.org/provider/speech-care-at-home/

Did you know that the biographical narrative approach is an effective way to improve the quality of life for people with aphasia? And who doesn’t adore hearing about their clients' lives, or hearing their hilarious stories?? The caption is based on actual events 😂 According to a study by Corsten et al. (2014) this approach helps people with aphasia to renegotiate their identity and build meaning through telling their life stories. The biographical-narrative approach uses specific communication skills to support identity (re)development after disruptive events like stroke. This approach has been modified for use in people with aphasia and has shown promising results in improving health-related quality of life. Results of the 2014 study even showed that measured quality of life improvement remained stable after three months without additional intervention. Participants also reported greater happiness and less confusion and tension. Who are my fellow SLP’s who enjoy using this approach with their clients? 💬💬

Happy New Year from our family to yours! May 2024 be filled with love, laughter, and joy. Let’s make it a year to remember! 🎉🎊

🌟 Hey there healthcare superstars – today’s the winter solstice❄️✨

Would this even be Speech Care at Home if we didn’t offer a free lesson plan based on the occasion❓❗

I think not – so welcome to our winter solstice-themed speech therapy adventure! 🎄❄️ Get ready to sleigh those communication goals and let the warmth of our words melt away the winter chill! ⛄Grab your hot cocoa, cozy up, and let’s sprinkle some speech magic together!❄️

Unwrap your freebie here ⬇

https://speechcareathome.com/lesson-plan-freebie-happy-winter-solstice

🎄✨ Happy Monday! 🗣️✨

This week we celebrate the anniversary of "A Christmas Carol", so I've got a festive treat just for you! 🎁📚 Unwrap the magic of the season with my FREE "A Christmas Carol" lesson plan tailored for our amazing adult clients! 📖🔔

🌟 Explore the timeless tale of Dickens in a speech therapy wonderland, complete with engaging activities and meaningful discussions! 🎭 Let's make our sessions as merry as the holiday season itself! 🤗🎉

Grab your freebie here ⬇️

https://speechcareathome.com/lesson-plan-freebie-charles-dickens-a-christmas-carol

Hi, I'm Niki, the founder of Speech Care at Home. It's probably time I introduced myself! 👋

I earned my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida in 2009. There, I was selected for the honor's program in the communication sciences department, completed thesis work focused on voice biometrics, and delayed graduation to do a two semester traineeship at the Bay Pines V.A. Hospital - totally worth it! 🎓✨

My clinical fellowship was completed as a lead SLP in a charming, rural skilled nursing setting. Not too long after this, I transitioned to a management role. After a solid five years in the Director of Rehabilitation role in skilled nursing/CCRC settings, I decided it was time to get back into the nitty-gritty of clinical work with adults and the elderly. Over 10 years of experience in skilled nursing, assisted living, and home health helped me to seamlessly transition into the private practice therapy scene. Speech Care at Home was founded in 2021! 🏡👩‍⚕️

In my free time I love nothing more than time with my husband, friends, and family. Hobbies include traveling, fostering corgis, and riding my bike around beautiful Tampa Bay. 💪🧠 You also might find me at a local wine tasting 🍷 With my private practice journey, I'm looking to connect to other health care professionals in the community to make a real impact on the lives of those we all serve. Please feel free to reach out and say hello! 👋 🌟💬

Who here feels it just makes their day to get a heartfelt review for their services? 🌈☀️Getting a thoughtful review for my speech therapy services truly makes my day brighter! 🗣️💙

Let's be real though, getting clients to write reviews in the midst of their busy lives can be a bit like herding cats 🐱💨 So, spill the tea, lovely people! ☕ How do you all encourage your fantastic clients to share their thoughts and experiences? 📝👀

Your tips might just be the secret sauce we all need! 🤔💡 Sending love and peace your way! 💖🙌

Had so much fun teaming up with In Home Senior Fitness at Elysian Gardens. I provided training in breathing and memory techniques while Ashley taught the residents that fitness can be fun! Speech Care at Home is so honored to be a part of the health care community in Tampa Bay!

Last week we teamed up with Speech Care at Home for a fun and interactive group session at Elysian Gardens It’s safe to say we worked off the upcoming turkey and pies, while focusing on fitness + memory training!⠀
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🌟 November 14th is World Diabetes Day! 🌟

Did you know? Diabetes isn't just about blood sugar levels; it can have a profound impact on cognition and is a significant risk factor for dementia. 🧠✨



📊 Facts Matter: Studies show that individuals with type II diabetes are at a 60% higher risk of developing cognitive decline.

🚨Cognition Alert: Unmanaged diabetes can lead to memory loss, reduced cognitive function, and an increased risk of dementia.

🌱Prevention Insights: Taking charge of your health is key! Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent blood sugar management can reduce your risk and keep your mind sharp.

💬Let's Chat Numbers: Have questions or want personalized advice about memory loss and cognition? Reach out to our experts at Speech Care at Home, where your well-being is our top priority!

🧠 Boost Your Brainpower with SMASH Fish! 🐟

Hey there, cognitive champions! 👋 Did you know that what you put on your plate can have a profound impact on your brain health? 🧡 As a speech therapist focused on cognitive communicative function, I'm thrilled to share a little secret with you: SMASH fish can be your brain's best friend!

🧠 Enhanced Cognitive Function: SMASH fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, and Herring) are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA. These superstars promote optimal brain function, sharpening your memory and cognitive skills. 🌟

💡 Improved Focus and Attention: Omega-3s found in SMASH fish are known to boost attention, concentration, and overall mental clarity. Say goodbye to brain fog and hello to laser-like focus! 🔍

🌊 Reduced Cognitive Decline: Regular consumption of SMASH fish has been linked to a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline. Keep your brain sharp and resilient for the long run. 📆

🦋 Enhanced Mood: Omega-3s aren't just good for your brain; they're also your mood's best friend! Elevate your spirits and banish the blues with these incredible fatty acids. 😄

🍽️ Incorporating SMASH fish into your diet is easy and delicious! Whether you're grilling salmon, enjoying a tuna salad, or savoring some sardines on whole-grain crackers, you're nourishing your brain with every bite.

At Speech Care at Home, we're passionate about helping folks unlock their cognitive potential. Let's talk more about how a brain-boosting diet, along with targeted cognitive communicative therapy, can make a world of difference in your life.

Ready to embark on your journey to better brain health? 🚀 Let's chat and make your cognitive communicative function the best it can be! 🗣️💬

🌟 Join Our Team! Speech-Language Pathologists Wanted in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties. 🌟

Are you a passionate speech-language pathologist looking for flexible work opportunities? We're expanding our team at Speech Care at Home and we want you to be a part of our mission to make a real difference in the lives of adults in home and assisted living facility (ALF) settings.

🎉 What We Offer:

🌟 1099 contract positions for casual gigs that fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
🌟 Work-life integration – see new patients during your daily commute.
🌟 Fulfilling work helping adults with their communication needs.
🌟 Join a community of like-minded professionals who are dedicated to making a positive impact.

At Speech Care at Home, we believe that every patient deserves the highest quality care, and we're looking for SLPs who share our commitment to excellence.

Restoring hope, reshaping lives – that's our mission, and we'd love for you to be a part of it!

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Learn more about our opportunities at https://speechcareathome.com/ and reach out to us at [email protected] for more information. Let's make a meaningful difference together!

🍬🧡 Happy Candy Corn Day, everyone! 🧡🍬

On this sweet occasion, I'm excited to share something just as sweet and beneficial for our loved ones with aphasia and memory disorders. Introducing my FREE lesson plan that's more delightful than a bag of candy corn!📚🧠✨

Designed with evidence-based techniques, this lesson plan is a treat for the mind, helping to improve cognitive-communicative skills. 🤝💬

In the spirit of sharing and caring, let's spread the word about this resource that can make a real difference in the lives of those we cherish. 🌟

Get the lesson plan here: https://speechcareathome.com/lesson-plan-freebie-candy-corn-day

Let's sweeten someone's day with knowledge and love. Happy Candy Corn Day, and here's to fostering brighter tomorrows! 🌈🍭

🌍🧠 Today, let's come together to raise awareness on ! 🌟

Hey everyone! As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I'm passionate about making a difference in the lives of stroke survivors. 🗣️💪 On this special day, let's talk about stroke prevention, recognizing the signs, and how SLPs like me can be a vital part of your recovery journey.

❗️ First things first: Know the signs of a stroke! BE FAST is the key:

🤸 Balance loss
👁 Eyesight changes
🗣️ Face drooping
💪 Arm weakness
💭 Speech difficulty
🕒 Time to Call 911

⚡️ Preventing a stroke is crucial! Here are some tips to keep your brain and heart healthy:

1️⃣ Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies.
2️⃣ Stay active and exercise regularly.
3️⃣ Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
4️⃣ Keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
5️⃣ Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.

🔗 Now, let's talk about the incredible role Speech-Language Pathologists play in stroke recovery. We help you regain your voice, language, and communication, and swallow skills after a stroke. 🗨️💬 Whether it's working on articulation, improving comprehension, or assisting with swallowing difficulties, we're here to support you every step of the way. Reach out at (813) 344-3207.

If you're in the Wesley Chapel area, be sure to support this great cause November 10th!!

We are excited to partner with The Living Room at The Shops at Wiregrass to celebrate their one-year anniversary!

As part of the celebration, The Living Room is holding a charity raffle and all money raised will be generously donated to Voices of Hope for Aphasia! A HUGE thank you to The Living Room for selecting us as your designated charity!

If you like amazing food, live music, and raising money for a great cause, be sure to check out The Living Room's Wesley Chapel location on November 10th for an all day celebration! See you there!

It's important to be compassionate when caring for someone with dementia. Telling someone that they have dementia can be very confusing, and it may not help them cope with their condition. Here are some reasons why you should never tell someone with dementia that they have dementia:

🟣Dementia affects a person’s memory and reasoning skills. They may not understand what dementia is or forget that they have it. Repeatedly telling them that they have dementia can be distressing.

🟣Dementia affects a person’s emotions and personality. They may react differently to bad news than they used to and become more defensive, aggressive, or withdrawn. They may deny that they have a problem, or blame you for their difficulties.

🟣Dementia can make a person feel insecure and vulnerable. They may lose their sense of identity and self-worth. Telling them that they have dementia can make them feel more hopeless and helpless.

🟣Dementia can impair a person’s ability to communicate effectively. They may have trouble finding the right words, or expressing their thoughts. Telling them that they have dementia can make them feel more isolated and lonely.

Instead of telling someone with dementia that they have dementia, here are some things you can do to support them:

🟣Focus on their strengths and abilities. Praise them for what they can do, and help them with what they can’t. Encourage them to pursue hobbies and interests, and join them in activities they enjoy.

🟣Be patient and respectful. Listen to what they have to say, even if it doesn’t make sense. Don’t correct them or argue with them, but try to understand their perspective. Use simple sentences, gestures, and cues to communicate clearly.

🟣Provide reassurance. Remind them that you love them and care for them. Hold their hand, hug them, or smile at them. Create a safe and familiar environment for them, with objects and photos from their past.

🟣Seek help and support. Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging and stressful. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to family, friends, professionals, or support groups for advice, assist, and respite.

Hey there SLPs and friends thereof! October 18th is Alaska Day, and I’ve created a lesson plan for the date! 🏔️🎉🎇

This lesson plan includes evidence-based activities that can help improve language and cognitive skills in people with cognitive-communicative disorders. The lesson plan includes opportunities for: word-finding, memory, reading, writing, conversation and more!

Access the lesson plan and sign up for more here⬇️📧
https://lnkd.in/gqQJzWVw

I will be providing more of these freebies in the future! My goal is to connect and engage as I grow my business. Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get first access to my lesson plans and many more resources.

I hope you enjoy this lesson plan and find it useful for your practice. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback! I would love to hear about how your clients responded! Have a great one! 😊

Hey Speechle! Are you looking for a lesson plan that can be utilized for clients with aphasia, memory loss, and dementia? If so, you’re in luck! This week we celebrated Ada Lovelace Day, and I've created a versatile lesson plan to celebrate this remarkable woman who is considered the first computer programmer in history! 🤓💻

The lesson plan includes opportunities for reading, paragraph recall, list learning, writing/spelling, naming to description, word fluency, phonological component analysis, and semantic feature analysis. The lesson includes evidence-based activities that can help improve language and cognitive skills in people with communication disorders. 💬🙌

The best part is, I will be providing more of these freebies in the future! All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get first access to my lesson plans and many more resources. Just click the link and add your email to the form at the bottom of the page. It’s that easy! 👇🏻👌🏻

https://speechcareathome.com/lesson-plan-freebie-ada-lovelace

I hope you enjoy this activity and find it useful. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback. I’d love to hear from you! Have a wonderful day! 😊

Hi there! Are you looking for a lesson plan that can be utilized for clients with aphasia, memory loss, and dementia? If so, you’re in luck! October 10th is Ada Lovelace Day, and I've created a versatile lesson plan to celebrate this remarkable woman who is considered the first computer programmer in history! 🤓💻

The lesson plan includes opportunities for reading, paragraph recall, list learning, writing/spelling, naming to description, word fluency, phonological component analysis, and semantic feature analysis. The lesson includes evidence-based activities that can help improve language and cognitive skills in people with communication disorders. 💬🙌

The best part is, I will be providing more of these freebies in the future! All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter and you’ll get first access to my lesson plans and many more resources. Just click the link and add your email to the form at the bottom of the page. It’s that easy! 👇🏻👌🏻

https://speechcareathome.com/lesson-plan-freebie-ada-lovelace

I hope you enjoy this activity and find it useful. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback. I’d love to hear from you! Have a wonderful Tuesday! 😊

Do you know what AAC stands for? 🤔

It stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and it is a term that covers various methods and devices that help people who have difficulty speaking or writing to communicate with others. 😊

AAC can be used by children and adults who have different types of disabilities or conditions that affect their speech or language skills, such as autism, cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury, or ALS. 🙌

AAC can be divided into two main categories: unaided and aided. Unaided AAC does not require any external tools or materials, and relies on the person’s own body to communicate. Examples of unaided AAC are gestures, facial expressions, body language, and sign language. 👋😀👍👏

Aided AAC, on the other hand, uses some sort of tool or device to assist the person in expressing their messages. Examples of aided AAC are pictures, symbols, writing, communication boards or books, and speech-generating devices. 📷🖊📚🗣

AAC has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times when people used gestures, signs, drawings, and symbols to communicate with each other. In the 20th century, various inventors and researchers created devices and systems to help people with speech impairments. In the 21st century, AAC technology has become more accessible and affordable with the advent of tablets, smartphones, computers, and software applications that can be used as communication tools. 📱💻🌎

Today, there are many options available for people who need AAC to communicate. Depending on their needs, preferences, abilities, and goals, they can choose from a wide range of unaided or aided systems that suit their communication style and situation.💯

If you want to learn more about AAC and who/what it is for, you can read this article that I wrote for you: What is AAC and Who/What is it For? 📝 https://lnkd.in/eCgFwV5w

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new. If you did, please like, share, and comment below. And don’t forget to follow me for more interesting and informative posts about communication. 😊

Do you want to keep your brain healthy and happy? ☺️ Then you should drink more coffee and tea! ☕

Coffee and tea are not only delicious and refreshing, but they also have amazing benefits for your brain health and performance. 🧠

Here are some of the facts that you should know:

• Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which can boost your mood, alertness, attention, memory, and learning. 😊

• Coffee and tea also contain antioxidants, which can protect your brain cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. 🙌

• Coffee and tea have other beneficial compounds, such as chlorogenic acids, cafestol, kahweol, trigonelline, catechins, theanine, and flavonoids. These compounds can modulate your immune system, blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and brain waves. 💪

• Studies have shown that coffee and tea may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease 👊

• They can also reduce the risk of other brain disorders, such as stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and depression. 😍

• Drinking coffee and tea together may be even better for your brain than drinking either one alone. They may have synergistic effects that can enhance their benefits for your brain health. 🚀

So go ahead and enjoy your cup of joe or tea (or both) every day, and keep your brain healthy and happy! 🧠☕

And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family who love coffee and tea too! 😘

 

Back in July Ashley with In Home Senior Fitness and I had fun chatting with Leo with Beryl Project Engineering and Adam with Charles D. Talley Jr. Insurance Inc. on the Tampa Home Talk about real estate, aging in place, and functional nutrition!

Speech Care at Home on Tampa Home Talk Niki Cannyn of Speech Care at Home along with Ashely Trinklein of In Home Senior Fitness are interviewed by Leo of Beryl Engineering & Inspection on Tampa Ho...

Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It can be challenging to care for someone with dementia, especially when they experience emotional or behavioral changes. That's why it's important to use the 5 R's of dementia care, a tool-set that can help you cope and communicate better with your loved one 💕.

The 5 R's are:

- Remain calm: Don't argue or try to reason with your loved one 🙅‍♂️. Take a deep breath before you act 😌.
- Respond to feelings: Validate how your loved one seems to be feeling at the time 🥰. For example, you can say "I can see that you are upset" or "You seem happy today" 😊.
- Reassure: Remind your loved one that they are safe and cared for 🤗. For example, you can say "I'm here with you" or "You are not alone" 👫.
- Remove: Remove yourself physically or distance yourself psychologically for a moment to regain your composure 😎. For example, you can take a break, go for a walk, or do something relaxing 🌸.
- Return: Return fully to the situation when your loved one begins to calm down 🙏. For example, you can resume the conversation, offer a hug, or change the topic 🗣️.

The 5 R's of dementia care can help you and your loved one have a better quality of life 🌟. To learn more about helping your loved one with dementia, contact Speech Care at Home at (813) 344-3207.