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 to further their skills and better 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 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. PD can also interfere with thinking skills and coming up with the right 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 improves 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 return home safely and stronger.
OUTPATIENT
By-appointment therapy is available in Tabitha’s LifeQuest, a bright and airy state-of-the-art gym within TNRC.
AT-HOME
Tabitha Home Health Care experts come to you, wherever you call home, throughout central and eastern Nebraska.
For answers to all your aging questions, start with Tabitha. Contact a Tabitha Care Expert today.