Accessing speech therapy via telehealth means having your sessions via an online video platform such as Zoom or MS Teams. It offers several advantages, especially for adults who may benefit from more flexible and accessible services. Here are some key benefits:
1. Convenience and Accessibility
- Location Flexibility: You can receive therapy from the comfort of your home.
- Broader Reach: Telehealth makes it easier for individuals in rural or remote areas to access specialised speech therapy services that may not be locally available.
- Reduced Wait Times: In some cases, telehealth can shorten the time it takes to start therapy, as sessions can be scheduled more flexibly than in traditional in-person settings.
2. Cost Savings
- Lower Travel Costs: Telehealth eliminates transportation costs, which can be significant, especially for frequent appointments or long-distance travel.
- Time Efficiency: By eliminating travel time, patients can fit therapy sessions more easily into their schedules, saving time that could be spent on work or other activities.
3. Comfort and Familiar Environment
- Improved Comfort: Being in a familiar setting can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
4. Increased Engagement and Family Involvement
- Family Participation: Family members can more easily join sessions, providing support and learning strategies to reinforce therapy goals at home.
- Enhanced Collaboration: With virtual tools, therapists can share digital resources and exercises.
5. Continued Care During Life Changes
- Ongoing Access: Telehealth allows you to continue therapy even during events like moving to a new location, temporary travel, or unexpected life changes.
- Reduced Risk of Interruptions: You can maintain a regular therapy schedule despite obstacles like bad weather, transportation issues, or mild illnesses.
Telehealth can be an effective solution for adults who need flexibility or to reduce travel costs however it is not the best fit for everyone.
Individuals who may find accessing telehealth challenging include:
1. Individuals with Severe or Complex Health Conditions
- If you have a swallowing impairment it is suggested that the initial assessment is completed in person. The suitability of telehealth for any follow-up sessions will be considered on an individual basis.
- If you have a severe communication impairment you may find accessing telehealth more difficult. For example if you find it difficult to understand instructions and require support such as gesture and pointing to guide your attention, understanding speech via the computer screen may be difficult.
- If your speech is difficult to understand this may seem worse via the computer screen than in real life. In these instances once initial assessment has been completed and therapy explored in real life over 1 or 2 sessions it may be possible to switch to telehealth. This would be considered on an individual basis.
- In some of these situations if you have a support person present during the session it may increase the chance of a successful interaction using telehealth.
2. Patients with Limited Technology Access or Skills
- Lack of Internet Access: Those in areas with unreliable internet connections or who lack access to computers, tablets, or smartphones may struggle with telehealth.
- Low Comfort with Technology: Patients who aren’t comfortable or familiar with digital devices may find telehealth frustrating, which could hinder their engagement and progress in therapy. If you are motivated to use telehealth but have reduced confidence then training can be provided with step by step instructions, if this would enable your continuing therapy programme.
3. Individuals with Certain Sensory Impairments
- Hearing or Visual Impairments: For some individuals with significant hearing or vision loss, telehealth might not provide the level of interaction they need. While adaptations exist, in-person care may offer better communication options.
4. People Needing Privacy or Support Not Available at Home
- Lack of Privacy: For those who live in shared or busy environments where privacy is limited, telehealth may not be comfortable or effective.
- Caregiver Support Needs: Some patients need the support of caregivers or family members during sessions, which may be challenging to arrange remotely if those individuals aren’t available to participate.
Telehealth is a great option but it isn't for everyone. If you would like to discuss if telehealth is suitable for you please get in touch to discuss your personal circumstances.