Speech Therapy Month: Speech Therapy Techniques for Older Adults

Every May, we recognize Speech Therapy Month, a time to celebrate the professionals who help individuals overcome speech and swallowing challenges. We also see this as an opportunity to highlight the importance of communication and swallowing safety, raise awareness about how you can support yourself or an older adult in your life, and share practical techniques for living a happier, healthier life.

In this post, we will walk through some foundational speech therapy techniques and share practical tips for caregivers to reinforce progress at home. Please note that this does not substitute the experience and expert care provided by a licensed speech therapist.

1. Oral Strengthening

Strengthening the muscles used for speaking and swallowing can help improve clarity and safety when eating.

Try This: Place the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth and open your mouth wide. Then, hold for 5 seconds.

2. Jaw Stretching

Stretching muscles that open and close the jaw helps release tension and keep the area mobile. It may also help relieve tension-related headaches.

Try This: Place your fingers on your cheekbone. As you open your mouth, apply slight pressure and slide your hands to your chin.

3. Tongue Twisters

Training control over the tongue and keeping it nice and nimble helps articulation and makes eating and swallowing safer.

Try This: Say the following as quickly as you can while still being clear: “Fresh french fried fly fritters.”

4. Compensatory Communication Strategies

When speech cannot be fully restored, speech-language therapists help patients use tools like communication boards, gestures, or assistive technology. Here are some ways to communicate better with your loved ones.

Try This: Download a test-to-speech app so you can communicate across the room. Make sure to use a large device and set the display to the largest character setting for better visibility.

5. Follow Tips for Caregivers Supporting Therapy at Home

Caregivers play a vital role in helping older adults maintain communication and quality of life. Here is how you can help:

Try This: Create a calm, quiet environment, free of distractions, to make communication easier.

Try This: Use simple, short sentences when asking questions.

Try This: Encourage practice by working on exercises together with your loved one and integrate them into your routine.

6. Know When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes you cannot do it all, and that is okay! The important thing is to know when to seek help. 

• Sudden changes in speech (slurring, forgetting words, taking a lot of effort)
• Unable to communicate their needs
• Frequent choking when eating or drinking
• Voice changes (hoarseness, breathiness, vocal strain)
• Loss of ability to understand language
• Emotional changes due to communication

Try This: Contact a speech therapist if you are feeling like your loved one needs help communicating or swallowing. If you know someone who has any of the conditions above, connect with us to find them the help they need.

References:

1. The Center for TMJ & Sleep Apnea | Lees Summit, MO. Tongue at roof of mouth Exercise. YouTube. Published December 3, 2020. Accessed May 6, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=258hc0pPYIg
2. From The Neck Up. TMJ: Masseter stretch. YouTube. Published November 12, 2020. Accessed May 6, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j54hvNfuzc