Jacqueline Ouellette suffered a stroke on June 6, and has been receiving speech therapy from Holmes Regional Medical Centers’ speech-language pathologist Lara Carter. Jacqueline began therapy as an in-patient during her four-day recovery in the hospital
Published in Holmes Heartbeat newsletter by Jan Tucker
Jacqueline Ouellette suffered a stroke on June 6, and has been receiving speech therapy from Holmes Regional Medical Centers’ speech-language pathologist Lara Carter.
Jacqueline began therapy as an in-patient during her four-day recovery in the hospital and has continued as an out-patient at Holmes’ Center for Health Services in Melbourne.
When asked to describe her therapy, she says, “I am enjoying it and doing a lot better all the time.” She expresses this simple message as a victory, for behind it are many hours of dedicated practice with her therapist and her husband, Tom. As she explains, “I have laughter and the Spirit with me.”
Speech-language pathologists work with patients having speech or language problems; perceptual, cognitive or behavioral deficits; voice abnormalities; comprehension difficulties; or swallowing problems.
Patients include premature infants with problems sucking, stroke victims, children with cleft palate, and formerly injured patients with behavioral deficits.
Jacqueline’s stroke damaged the part of her brain responsible for understanding.
At first, she was able to match a few objects and nod her head ‘yes’ and ‘no,’ not always accurately, to questions. Through daily in-patient speech therapy, she was able to follow simple directions and begin to express herself verbally.
Tom explains, “She has been progressively practicing more difficult things as an out-patient.” She is reading short paragraphs to her therapist, comprehending long paragraphs, and improving her ability to find the words she needs.
Jacqueline also says that she understands everything. She loves to write, and as a former secretary, thought that using the typewriter might help her progress. But she is not discouraged by the fact that she’s not there yet. She can’t recall all the letters in the alphabet beyond “m.”
Patients are referred for Occupational Therapy for the assessment and treatment of developmental, physical, social, or emotional problems. Assessment of the individual’s personal goals and the demands of their environment are reviewed and become the basis of an individualized treatment program.
Patients include workers with carpal tunnel syndrome, premature infants—for facilitation of normal development, and stroke patients—for fabrication of hand splints and assessment of ability to return to work.
Jacqueline was evaluated by Occupational Therapy and was found to have satisfactory eye-to-hand coordination and the ability to accomplish other coordination tasks. This therapy was not recommended for her. She has now resumed her gardening activities and is able to drive her car.
Physical Therapy is a third rehabilitative service available for patients at Holmes. Physical therapists are skilled in evaluating, planning, organizing, and directing programs for patients of all ages who are physically challenged or disabled by illness or accident.
This includes the evaluation and treatment of premature infants with motor delays, exercise to improve a person’s functionality following a stroke, balance training following an amputation, and strengthening exercises after knee surgery.
Speech-language pathologists and occupational and physical therapy staff often work together to provide an integrated approach to patient care so patients like Jacqueline can resume their lives and function at their highest capacity following an illness or injury. Holmes Rehabilitative Services also places a special emphasis on patient, family, and caregiver education to ensure that a patient’s progress is reinforced at home.
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All rehabilitative specialists receive extensive training. In addition to the requirements listed below, each therapist must pass a national certification examination, be licensed by the state in which they practice, and participate in mandatory continuing education seminars.
Speech-language pathologists normally choose one area of specialization, and are qualified by the following requirements:
- Master of Arts or Science degree
- 350 clinical hours during training in the evaluation and treatment of children and adults
Occupational therapist (OT)
- Four-year baccalaureate degree program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association
- Six to nine months of supervised field work
Certified occupational therapist assistant (COTA) works with direct supervision by the OT
- Two-year educational program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association
- Two months of supervised field work
Physical therapist (PT)
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree, or post-baccalaureate certificate from an institution accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association
- Four to six months of supervised clinical experience prior to graduation
Physical therapist assistant (PTA) works with direct supervision by the PT
- Accredited two-year program