146: The One Thing: SLPs + ADLs + Dementia with Adria Thompson MA, CCC-SLP

When asked what the hardest part of caring for an individual with dementia, many caregivers will respond with some aspect of an activity of daily living. As SLPs, it is easy to think that we have no business in that realm and that it is the job of an occupational therapist to assess and treat those issues. However, many of the problems faced during these ADLs are rooted in the patient’s inability to communicate effectively and they will greatly benefit from our expertise to increase participation.

Key Takeaway:

Too many times we use the excuse of "I'm just a SLP" when issues about toileting, showering, or dressing come up. However, as experts in communication we need to use our skills during these very important tasks!

Resources

Contact Adria:

References:

1999 Caregiver Study - Caregivers have a 63% higher mortality rate than non-caregivers.

Interprofessional Care in the Management of Alzheimer's Dementia: Leaving Our Silos - by Natalie Dougas and Katie McDonald is a plea for more interprofessional collaboration and communication with individuals with dementia for more effective care and to improve outcomes.

What’s My Scope? An ASHA article about when SLPs are asked to do things outside of our “scope” including some ADLs which fall under “multi-skilling”. This states SLPs should be competent by virtue of training, education and experience to perform any activities. It advises a facility to develop a written policy that addresses the level of involvement and training that SLPs will have, and a mechanism to verify competency.

ASHA Code of Ethics - Principle 1, Rule A says “Individuals shall provide all clinical services and scientific activities competently.”

An Evidence-Based Systematic Review on Cognitive Interventions for Individuals With Dementia - the current state of research evidence related to cognitive interventions for individuals with dementia.

Strategies to improve communication during ADLs in dementia: a short review a review of some “communication enhancement strategies” from an OT

Person Centered Memory and Communication Strategies for Adults with Dementia - by Alyssa Lanzi, Vanessa Burshnic, and Michelle Bourgeois is a fantastic overview of evidenced based strategies to use with individuals with dementia  

Thanks for these great resources, Adria!

I've been an SLP for 8 years working mostly in SNFs, assisted living, and memory care communities. In 2018 I co-authored a dementia program with an outpatient therapy company and trained all therapists in my company to improve the effectiveness and creativity of PTs, OTs, and SLPs in dementia care facilities. In September 2021 I started my own business, Be Light Care Consulting, to be a dementia consultant and content creator. I post daily videos on Tiktok, IG, and Facebook for professional and personal caregivers and have amassed 200k+ followers.

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