Everyone communicates differently, and this includes communicating during and about mealtimes.
In Australia, an estimated 1.2 million people have communication support needs. To recognise this, we’re celebrating Speech Pathology Week from August 25 to 31 2024.
In this blog, we chat with Ignite Healthcare‘s Senior Speech Pathologist, Lihini Godakanda Arachchi, about the diversity of ways one can communicate, the role speech pathologists play, and the myth about her field that she’d like to set straight.
Please tell us a little about yourself. What led you to become a speech pathologist?
My name is Lihini and I am the Clinical Excellence Lead at Ignite Healthcare. I love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
I was drawn to speech pathology when my grandfather had a stroke many years ago. The way his communication and swallowing changed always fascinated me and I realised I wanted to help others in similar situations.
When I’m not supporting participants or speech pathologists, you will find me running or going on bush walks with my Whippet, Boris. I also love reading a good book in the sun, going to the gym and being creative.
The theme of Speech Pathology Week 2024 is “communicate your way.” How do you and the Ignite Healthcare team support people to communicate in ways that work best for them?
We always spend time getting to know our participants and their individual or preferred methods for communication, as well any strategies we can use to support them.
For any participants who require alternative forms of communication, we work with them and their support network to find individualised options that will support them to communicate in all environments with various communication partners!
Communication is important at all times, but mealtimes can serve as a great time for social connection and interaction. Participants can communicate their preferences, their thoughts or feelings, and make requests or comments... verbally or [with] gestures, body language or facial expressions.
Can you tell us more about Ignite Healthcare and its approach to speech pathology?
Ignite Healthcare is a multidisciplinary community healthcare provider. The company was founded in 2018 as a mobile physiotherapy team and has expanded to include other allied health disciplines, including speech pathology.
Our speech pathology services (as with all disciplines at Ignite Healthcare) are founded in the human rights and social models. We support people by adjusting environmental conditions, building confidence in skills and strengths, and capacity building those around the person.
We put the person first, including their lived experience, their values and their goals.
Why is communication important during meal times? What are different ways participants communicate during meal times?
Communication is important at all times, but mealtimes can serve (excuse the pun) as a great time for social connection and interaction.
Participants can communicate their preferences, their thoughts or feelings, and make requests or comments. This can be done verbally or using alternative forms of communication, including gestures, body language or facial expressions.
What different types of technology can be used to support participants during meal time, particularly when it comes to communication?
Alternative and augmentative forms of communication can take any form – signing, facial expressions/body language, natural gestures, communication boards/books, speech generating devices, switches (e.g. NeuroNode) and more.
Eating is such a central part of being in community. How can families and friends support someone who is undergoing speech therapy, particularly in relation to meal times and eating out?
Following recommendations provided by the speech pathologist is important. It’s also important to speak to the speech pathologist about what your family member or friend enjoys eating or where they like to eat. The speech pathologist can then incorporate this into their recommendations or figure out alternatives.
What is the role of a speech pathologist in helping people with dysphagia?
Once a speech pathologist has completed their assessments, they provide individualised recommendations to support safety during oral intake.
In the community, we consider the environment, availability of support, behaviours and quality of life when providing these recommendations – we don’t always jump to modifying meals and drinks!.
Speaking of texture modified food and drink, what role can these play in supporting someone with dysphagia?
In a nutshell, changing the texture and consistency of meals and drinks helps people with dysphagia safely enjoy food and drink, avoiding complications and supporting them to get the nutrients they need.
What are some signs that someone might need to see a speech pathologist?
If someone has difficulty understanding others, being understood by others, or communicating with others.
Also, if they have frequently occurring chest infections (not related to cold / flu) or coughing, choking or frequent throat clearing during or after eating and drinking. These require an urgent referral.
What do you wish more people knew about the world of speech pathology? Are there particular misconceptions or myths you’d like to dispel, or things you wish more people (participants, their communication partners, or the wider community) knew more about?
Myth: Speech pathology is only effective in person.
Fact: Speech pathology support is actually most effective when communication partners / carers are actively involved!
Learning of any new skill takes time, patience and requires practice! Telehealth supports are a great option, as it eliminates travel, provides quality care in an environment where someone feels comfortable and the timing can be more flexible. Studies have shown that supports via telehealth are still effective
Lihini Godakanda Arachchi
Lihini is the Speech Pathology Clinical Excellence Lead at Ignite Healthcare.
Lihini has worked in the community for the last 8 years and has loved every minute of it! She's been fortunate to have worked in various cities and towns and as a clinical lead for the last 4-5 years. Her areas of passion are dysphagia and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) particularly in the neurodegenerative space.
