Speech Therapy (Speech-Language Pathology)

Helping You Communicate Clearly and Eat Safely

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) at Achieva Health & Wellness work with adults who experience changes in speech, language, cognition, voice, or swallowing. These changes may follow stroke or illness, appear with neurological conditions, or simply develop over time with aging.

Our goal is to make communication clearer, mealtimes safer, and daily interactions more comfortable — for both clients and their families.

Improve speech clarity and confidence
Support safe swallowing and reduce choking risk
Enhance understanding, memory, and conversation
Promote independence and quality of life

Speech-language pathologist working with an older adult

SLPs with in-depth knowledge of speech and swallowing

What Is Speech-Language Pathology? Specialized care for communication and swallowing

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) specialize in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. They have in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of speech, language, voice, and swallowing, and understand how medical, neurological, and age-related changes can affect these skills.

At Achieva, SLPs provide comprehensive assessments and develop customized, goal-oriented treatment plans. Therapy is tailored to each person's abilities, challenges, and priorities.

Who Can Benefit from Speech Therapy?

Communication Changes

Our SLPs support adults experiencing new or longstanding communication challenges, including:

Difficulty speaking clearly or being understood
Reduced voice volume or voice quality changes
Trouble finding words or forming sentences
Challenges understanding spoken language
Stuttering or fluency concerns

Cognitive & Swallowing Concerns

We also help adults who live with:

Memory, attention, or problem-solving difficulties
Changes after stroke, brain injury, or progressive conditions
Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
Avoidance of certain foods or fear of swallowing
Weight loss or dehydration related to swallowing problems

Conditions and Situations We Commonly See

Speech Therapy at Achieva primarily serves adults and older adults, including those living with:

Stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Brain injuries or neurological conditions
Chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions affecting breath support

We also support individuals whose communication or swallowing has changed due to:

General aging and deconditioning
Prolonged hospitalization or illness
Head and neck surgeries or medical treatments
Longstanding speech or language differences that now impact daily life

Assessment, Treatment, and Ongoing Support

Comprehensive Assessment

SLPs begin with a detailed assessment to understand your communication and swallowing strengths and challenges.

Speech clarity and pronunciation
Understanding and expressing language
Voice quality, volume, and breath support

Personalized Therapy Plan

Based on your goals, we create a customized treatment plan.

Speech and language exercises
Word-finding and conversation strategies
Voice therapy techniques

Education & Home Strategies

We teach practical tools to use at home or in care settings.

Communication tips for you and your family
Written strategies and cueing supports
Guidance for caregivers and support staff

Swallowing and Mealtime Safety

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can lead to coughing, choking, weight loss, or chest infections. Our SLPs assess how safely you swallow and provide strategies to make mealtimes safer and more comfortable.

Swallowing Assessment

We evaluate how food and fluid move through your mouth and throat, identify risks, and recommend safer textures and techniques.

Therapeutic Interventions

Therapy may include exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles, postural changes, and specific strategies to improve safety when eating and drinking.

Caregiver & Family Education

We teach families and caregivers how to prepare appropriate foods, support safe positioning, and recognize signs of swallowing difficulty.

Why Families Choose Achieva for Speech Therapy

Specialized SLP Expertise

SLPs with in-depth knowledge of speech, language, voice, and swallowing
Experience with adults and older adults across a range of medical conditions
Goal-oriented treatment plans tailored to each person

Inclusive, Supportive Environment

Therapy that respects diverse communication styles and needs
Positive, encouraging approach to practice and feedback
Clear guidance on how to access and navigate SLP services

Quality of Life Focus

Improved comfort and confidence during conversations
Safer, more enjoyable mealtimes
Support for staying engaged, independent, and connected

BEGIN YOUR RECOVERY

Support beyond the therapy room How We Work with Your Care Team

Speech Therapy at Achieva rarely happens in isolation. Our SLPs collaborate with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and program staff so strategies are reinforced throughout your day.

Coordinated care plans shared with your health team (with consent)
Consistent use of communication strategies across settings
Integration with falls prevention, adult day programming, and restorative care

Ready to Talk About Speech Therapy?

Whether you have noticed subtle changes or significant difficulties, an early assessment can make a meaningful difference in safety, independence, and quality of life.

Older adult speaking with a speech-language pathologist

FAQ Speech Therapy FAQs

Is speech therapy only for people who stutter?

Can speech therapy help with memory and thinking problems?

What if my loved one has trouble swallowing?

Do I need a doctor's referral?

Will you involve family members in therapy?

Is speech therapy only for people who stutter??

No. Speech therapy supports a wide range of concerns, including speech clarity, voice, language, memory, thinking skills, and swallowing.

Can speech therapy help with memory and thinking problems??

Yes. SLPs can provide strategies for memory, organization, attention, and problem-solving that support day-to-day routines and independence.

What if my loved one has trouble swallowing??

An SLP can assess swallowing, recommend safer food and drink textures if needed, and teach strategies and positions that reduce coughing, choking, and aspiration risk.

Do I need a doctor's referral??

In many cases you can contact us directly. We also gladly work with your physician or specialist to coordinate care.

Will you involve family members in therapy??

With consent, family and caregivers are often included so they can support communication and swallowing strategies at home or in care settings.

Why Choose Achieva Health & Wellness?

Integrative Healing Nutrition That Accelerates Recovery

At Achieva, rehabilitation goes beyond exercises. Our on-site Achieva Café offers anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich meals designed to complement physiotherapy and occupational therapy, helping your body heal faster and more effectively.

Learn More About Achieva Health Café

On-Site Achieva Health Café

Clinical-Level Care A Purpose-Built Adult Day Program

Our 4,000 sq ft Adult Day Program is not recreational — it is run by regulated health professionals, offering mobility support, cognitive engagement, social connection, and falls prevention in a medically supervised environment.

Learn More About Adult Day Program

4,000 sq ft Clinical Adult Day Program

Truly Holistic Health An 8,000 sq ft Space Designed for You

Achieva combines rehabilitation, wellness, movement, and healthy eating under one roof. With an open-concept therapy floor, recovery zones, and lifestyle spaces, every part of our environment is crafted to support long-term health and independence.

Learn More About Achieva

8,000 sq ft Integrated Wellness Centre

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