Speech Pathology Services

Community Therapy provides mobile Speech Pathology services to clients over the age of 18, older adults, people living with disabilities and people recovering from surgery or hospitalisation in the comfort of their home.

We are NDIS registered and are certified by SAI Global for therapeutic supports.

We also partner with approved home care providers and residential aged care providers.

Community Therapy’s Speech Pathology services are mobile and available throughout Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Hunter, Port Stephens & Central Coast.

Mobile Speech Pathologists

What Our Speech Pathologists Do

Community Therapy’s Speech Pathologists are Certified practicing Speech Pathologists with Speech Pathology Australia and are passionate and dedicated to their role in healthcare.

Our clinicians hold public and professional indemnity insurance, possess current criminal record checks and working with children checks.

Our Speech Pathologists work with clients to provide evidence-based assessment, therapy and education, aimed at assisting people with communication and swallowing difficulties to help improve their quality of life.

Who We Work With

At Community Therapy our Speech Pathologists work primarily with aged care clients and those living with disabilities. We are a mobile service that can visit all types of properties and living arrangements including group homes, aged care facilities and private residences.

Our Speech Pathology team works closely with other allied health professionals such as Dietitians, particularly when supporting someone living with swallowing difficulties.

Speech Pathology Outcome Measures

Our Speech Pathologists conduct a thorough assessment to assist with diagnosis of an underlying speech, language, and / or swallowing difficulty, and / or to assist with the development of patient-centered treatment goals.

Our Speech Pathologists use a number of standardised assessment tools which, if indicated are conducted one-on-one in a quiet and comfortable setting free from distractions. Community Therapy Speech Pathologists use the AUSTOMS-SP outcome measures system to track client progress in our service.

We work collaboratively with our allied health professionals, to provide evidence based multidisciplinary care.

Speech Pathology FAQ

  • Who would benefit from a Speech Pathologist assessment?

    Speech Pathologists work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech and language.

    As well as those that experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely.

  • Does Speech Pathology help me after a Stroke?

    60% of people who have had a stroke will develop a swallowing difficulty, while around 20% will
    have difficulty using speech. A further 30% of all people who have had a stroke will have
    difficulty articulating ideas or comprehending written or spoken language.

    Speech Pathologists provide specialised therapy and advice to recover from communication
    and/or swallowing impairments arising from a stroke. Starting speech pathology rehabilitation as
    soon as possible can assist people immensely.

  • How do I pay for services?

    Our services are able to be paid:

    • By a home care package
    • Privately with private health insurance rebates

    To access private health insurance rebates, you will need to check with your insurer if ATMS registered Massage Therapists are covered. ATMS maintains a list of private healthh insurers on their website for your reference as well –

    https://www.atms.com.au/health-funds/

  • How many times does my Speech Pathologist need to visit?

    The number of times your Speech Pathologist will visit will depend on your goals.

    This will be determined during the first visit with your Speech Pathologist.

    The frequency can change depending on your needs and goals and on the speed of your progress if you are building new skills.

  • Why is my swallow important?

    Humans swallow at least 900 times a day: around three times an hour during sleep, once per minute while awake and even more often during meals.

    We swallow food, liquids, medicine and saliva. People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of poor nutrition and dehydration and respiratory concerns.

    A Speech Pathologist is the main health professional who is responsible for caring for people living with swallowing difficulties.