Tabitha’s Rehabilitation Team Expands Expert Therapy Services
Thanks to generous donors through Tabitha’s Workforce Development program, a select group of 34 Tabitha speech-language pathologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists recently received specialized training. They took part in sessions to further their skills to serve clients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurological conditions.
The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD and BIG training allows Tabitha therapists to help improve quality of life and independence for those with PD, so they may continue to live life with dignity and confidence.
What is LSVT?
LSVT was developed by Dr. Lorraine Ramig and has been scientifically studied for over 25 years with support from the National Institute for Deafness and other communication disorders within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). LSVT is an effective, evidence-based speech treatment for people with PD and other neurological conditions. It has also helped individuals with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP); adults with speech issues arising from stroke, multiple sclerosis or dementia; and children with cerebral palsy or Down’s syndrome.
There are two types of LSVT: LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG. LSVT LOUD trains people with PD to speak at a more appropriate level, so they know how loud or soft they sound to other people and can feel comfortable when speaking with others. LSVT BIG trains people to use their body more normally and provides exercises to improve walking and self-care.
How Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect Communication?
The most commonly reported voice and speech issues for individuals with PD are: soft voice, hoarseness, monotone, mumbled speech and rapid speech. Parkinson's disease creates a mismatch between how the individual thinks they are talking and how they actually sound. It also interfers with thinking skills and coming up with the words to say.
Besides improving voice quality, LSVT LOUD can enhance articulation, facial expressions, intonation, speech intelligibility, swallowing, breath support and overall neural functioning.
LSVT BIG helps improve balance, posture, mobility and activities of daily living, including getting in/out of bed and getting dressed.
Where is Tabitha’s LSVT Therapy Provided?
Tabitha provides LSVT therapy and a variety of other rehabilitation options in all settings including inpatient therapy, outpatient therapy and in the comfort of the client’s home through Tabitha Home Health Care.
SHORT-STAY (Inpatient Therapy)
Seniors stay in a private suite at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (TNRC), located in the heart of Lincoln, Neb., while receiving targeted therapy and exceptional nursing care to get safely back home.
OUTPATIENT
By-appointment therapy is available in the bright and airy, state-of-the-art gyms at Tabitha LifeQuest, also located at TNRC.
AT-HOME
Tabitha Home Health Care experts come to you in the comfort of your residence, wherever you call home throughout 23 Nebraska counties.
Learn more about Tabitha’s therapy options here or contact a senior care expert today.
Hear the impact of this training from Angela Lehman, occupational therapist.
To take part in furthering the skills of our essential workers, consider a gift to Tabitha's Workforce Development program.
