Aged Care Speech Pathology Adelaide
Supporting Older Adults Across Adelaide With Communication and Swallowing Needs
At Thrive Health Therapies, we provide specialised aged care speech pathology services across Adelaide - helping older adults maintain their communication, swallowing function, and overall quality of life. Our experienced speech pathologists work with seniors in their homes, aged care facilities, and in our accessible Findon clinic to support speech, language, voice, and safe eating and drinking. Whether you or your loved one is living with a neurological condition, experiencing age-related changes, or recovering from hospitalisation, our compassionate team delivers therapy tailored to individual goals, abilities, and preferences.
What Is Aged Care Speech Pathology?
Aged care speech pathology focuses on two main areas: communication and swallowing (dysphagia). As people age, changes in cognition, muscle strength, neurological function, or chronic health conditions can affect speech, language, and safe eating.
Our speech pathologists work with older adults to:
Improve clarity, expression, and understanding in communication
Support voice strength and quality
Assess and manage swallowing safety
Provide strategies for memory, attention, and word-finding
Train carers and families in supportive communication techniques
Recommend modified diets and textures where needed
Speech pathology supports older adults in maintaining dignity, social connection, and nutritional safety as they age.
Who Can Benefit from Aged Care Speech Therapy?
Our aged care speech pathology services in Adelaide are ideal for:
Seniors living at home or in residential aged care
Home Care Package (HCP) recipients
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients
Older adults recovering from stroke or hospitalisation
Clients with changing communication, voice, or swallowing
Families or carers needing support and education
Individuals with progressive or degenerative conditions
Common Conditions We Support
We work with older adults across a wide range of physical and cognitive presentations. Common conditions include (but are not limited to):
Stroke and acquired brain injury
Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
Progressive neurological disorders
Age-related frailty and deconditioning
Voice disorders
Respiratory conditions affecting swallowing
Post-surgical changes (e.g. head and neck surgery)
General ageing-related speech and swallowing decline
Even without a diagnosis, we support seniors experiencing reduced clarity in speech, difficulty finding words, coughing while eating, or reduced ability to engage in conversation.
The Importance of Speech Pathology in Aged Care
Changes in communication or swallowing can significantly affect an older person’s independence, social engagement, and safety. Left untreated, they can lead to:
Social withdrawal and isolation
Malnutrition or dehydration
Weight loss
Choking or aspiration pneumonia
Increased risk of hospitalisation
Reduced confidence in daily life
Early assessment and ongoing support from a speech pathologist can help prevent complications, restore function, and support a higher quality of life.
Our Aged Care Speech Therapy Services
At Thrive Health Therapies, we provide comprehensive speech pathology for older adults across Adelaide, tailored to each individual’s needs. Services may include:
Communication Support
Assessment and treatment of speech clarity and word-finding
Language therapy for stroke or brain injury
Voice therapy for volume and projection
Communication strategies for memory loss or cognitive changes
Support for carers and family to facilitate effective communication
Swallowing and Dysphagia Management
Comprehensive swallowing assessments (bedside or instrumental)
Recommendations for safe food and fluid textures
Strategies to reduce risk of choking or aspiration
Mealtime planning and modifications
Collaboration with dietitians, GPs, and care staff
Education for families and support workers
Cognitive-Communication Therapy
Memory, attention, and executive function strategies
Support with sequencing and problem-solving
Functional communication for everyday activities
Compensatory tools for dementia and cognitive decline
Carer and Staff Training
Education in safe swallowing and meal support
Communication strategies for people with cognitive decline
Resources to reduce carer stress and improve client engagement
Every intervention is person-centred, meaningful, and adapted to your preferred setting - home, clinic, or care facility.
Speech Pathology Assessments We Offer
We offer a wide range of speech pathology assessments, including:
Speech and Language Assessments: Identify and address speech delays, language disorders, and articulation difficulties.
Swallowing Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations to diagnose and manage dysphagia.
Social Communication Assessments: Evaluate challenges with social interaction and pragmatic language skills.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessments: Assess the suitability of AAC devices and train individuals in their effective use.
Literacy and Phonological Awareness Assessments: Identify challenges in reading, writing, and phonological processing to create tailored literacy support plans.
Feeding Assessments: Identify food aversions and texture sensitivities.
What to What to Expect from a Speech Pathology Assessment
Initial Assessment
Your first session will include a detailed review of:
Medical history and current concerns
Communication abilities, speech clarity, or language skills
Swallowing safety and mealtime observations
Memory, attention, and functional communication
Current support needs and goals
This information forms the basis of a personalised treatment plan. Assessments may be conducted at home, in a facility, or at our clinic, depending on your preferences and funding.
Ongoing Support
Depending on your goals, we may offer:
Weekly or fortnightly therapy sessions
Ongoing carer coaching and support
Progress monitoring and updated recommendations
Home or care environment visits for functional planning
Letters, referrals, or reports for GPs and funding bodies
All therapy is delivered in a warm, supportive environment that promotes safety, confidence, and dignity.
Where We Deliver Services
We offer aged care speech pathology throughout Adelaide via flexible service delivery options:
In-Home Speech Pathology
Ideal for those on Home Care Packages, DVA funding, or those with limited mobility. We come to you to deliver therapy in the comfort of your home. Services include:
Communication support for dementia
Voice therapy
Post-stroke rehabilitation
Mealtime planning
Learn more about our home visit speech pathology services
Residential Aged Care & Supported Accommodation
We work directly with aged care facilities across Adelaide to deliver:
Onsite swallowing and communication assessments
Staff training in safe mealtime management
Cognitive-communication support
Behaviour support through communication strategies
Carer and team collaboration
Learn more about our mobile speech pathology services
Clinic-Based Speech Pathology – Findon
Our fully accessible clinic at 184 Findon Road, Findon offers:
Private therapy rooms
Access to equipment and AAC tools
Collaboration with our multidisciplinary team
Safe, quiet environment for assessments and sessions
Learn more about our Findon clinic
Telehealth Services
We also provide video-based speech therapy for older adults who prefer remote care. Telehealth is ideal for:
Monitoring progress
Family consultations
Dementia support
Post-discharge follow-up
Funding Options for Aged Care Speech Pathology
We accept a wide range of funding options:
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
Private Health Insurance
NDIS (for eligible clients aged 65+)
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) / GP Team Care Arrangements
Fee-for-service/private clients
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Aged Care Speech Pathology?
No wait time: We can start working with you straight away!
Experienced: Our speech therapists are senior clinicians with years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing physiotherapy across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school, or at a location convenient to them. Learn more about our services areas.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic and gym in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of neurological presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health. Learn more about our team.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
Funding Options: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people.
FAQs - Aged Care Speech Pathology Adelaide
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Yes. We offer mobile speech pathology services throughout Adelaide and regularly work in homes and residential care facilities. Learn more about our mobile speech pathology services.
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Absolutely. We often provide training for family members, support workers, and aged care staff to support safe communication and mealtime care.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
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No! A referral is not needed to see one of our speech therapists.
Additional Aged Care Services We Offer
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Our aged care occupational therapy services support older adults to maintain independence, safety, and quality of life as they age. Our experienced occupational therapists work with clients to overcome challenges related to personal care, household tasks, mobility within the home, and community access. Through personalised interventions, practical strategies, and tailored equipment recommendations, we help older adults live safely and confidently in their chosen environment.
Learn more about our aged care occupational therapy services.
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Our aged care physiotherapy services support older adults in maintaining strength, mobility, and independence throughout later life. Working across Adelaide, our experienced physiotherapists help manage pain, improve balance, reduce joint stiffness, and build physical capacity through personalised treatment plans and gentle, goal-focused exercises. Whether at home, in the community, or in aged care settings, we help older adults move confidently and stay active in their daily lives.
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Our aged care exercise physiology services are designed to help older adults maintain strength, mobility, and overall physical wellbeing as they age. Our experienced Accredited Exercise Physiologists work with clients to manage balance, endurance, flexibility, and chronic health conditions. Through personalised exercise programs and safe, functional movement strategies, we support older adults in achieving their goals - whether that’s staying independent at home, reducing falls risk, or maintaining an active lifestyle in the community.
Learn more about our aged care exercise physiology services.
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