Speech Pathology for Adults
Our speech pathologists are here to support you and your family with communication and swallowing difficulties.
What do speech pathologists do?
Many health conditions can affect swallowing, communication or cognition, impacting wellbeing, independence and everyday functioning. Speech pathologists assess and support people experiencing these conditions which may include:
- coughing and/or choking when eating and drinking, or difficulty with chewing and swallowing food or drink
- saliva management
- memory difficulties or other changes to thinking and/or processing skills
- understanding spoken speech and/or finding the right words to say
- slurred or unclear speech
- muscle weakness in the face or mouth
- voice changes
- specific speech and voice treatments for Parkinson’s Disease, such as Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and SPEAK OUT!®program
- our speech pathologists can also support with identification and use of assistive communication technology (such as communication books, tablets or other low or high-tech communication devices).
Who can benefit from our services?
GPs and other health professionals may wish to refer a client experiencing:
- difficulty swallowing, coughing or choking during meals
- difficulty swallowing medications
- difficulty managing their saliva
- changes in speech or language ability following stroke, brain injury or other progressive illness
- voice changes affecting daily life or work
- memory or cognitive changes impacting on communication
Our speech therapy service provide
- Assessment and therapy
- Clinic appointments
- Home and community visits
- Telehealth
- Individual and group-based services
Q&A
Who is eligible for this service?
Clients are eligible for our service if they:
- are 18 years and older, and
- live, work or study in Yarra, Boroondara or Manningham, and
- have goals to improve or manage communication, swallowing or cognition difficulties due to an acquired health condition*.
*We are unable to accept referrals for clients whose difficulties are due to a developmental condition.
Do I need a referral?
Clients require a GP referral if they would like to access Speech Pathology services via the Medicare Benefits Scheme for Chronic Disease Management, providing up to 5 appointments per calendar year.
Can I refer myself or my family?
Clients can self-refer themselves or a family member if they:
- have a My Aged Care (MAC) account, or
- have a Support at Home package, or
- wish to self-fund their care.
How to make a referral?
I’m a GP
Send a Medicare-funded referral to intake@accesshc.org.au
I’m a Care Partner supporting an Support at Home client
Send referrals or enquiries to sah@accesshc.org.au
I’m looking for support for myself or my family
Contact our Service Connection Team on (03) 9810 3000 and we’ll help guide you through the next steps.
What about fees and payments?
Speech Pathology services are offered under various funding schemes, including:
- Commonwealth Home support Package (CHSP)
- Community Health
- Home and Community Care (HACC)
- Support at Home packages
- Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS)
- Self-funding
You can check our fee schedule for payment details.
If you want to talk to someone about fees, please call 03 9810 3000. We are here to help find the best solution for you.
What document do I need for my appointment?
Clients or health professionals can contact our intake team on 03 9810 3000 or email intake@accesshc.org.au to make an appointment. When making a referral to our service, please provide:
- details about your swallowing, communication or cognitive difficulty
- a medical diagnosis (if known)
- relevant reports, including any speech pathology reports or recent hospital discharge summaries, if available
Where can I attend my appointment?
What will my speech pathology appointment/s involve?
At your first appointment, you will discuss your swallowing and/or communication concerns and identify your treatment goals. Appointments may involve:
- an interview with your speech pathologist, to better understand your communication or swallowing difficulties
- an assessment of your swallowing (eating and drinking) function, by observing you during a mealtime or through interview
- an assessment of your communication and/or cognitive skills, through the use of communication tests or through discussion with you
Following the assessment your speech pathologist will:
- provide a likely diagnosis of your communication and/or swallowing problem
- provide recommendations for treatment and management that is tailored to your goals
- may discuss referrals to specialists or other services, if required
- may recommend involving an Allied Health Assistant in your treatment to support you to achieve your goals
