Osborne County Memorial Hospital values Stephanie Tiernan, its speech-language pathologist, and the breadth of knowledge and experience she brings to her role. Many people think of speech therapy as a treatment to learn new or relearn ways of speaking, but Tiernan notes that there can be much more to the practice.
Tiernan, originally from Tipton, resides in Osborne with her family and enjoys providing care for patients at OCMH. She has experience in schools, nursing homes, home health, early intervention and the hospital settings. She has worked in facilities as well as via telehealth. At OCMH, she offers outpatient therapy and is part of the therapy team that assesses and supports inpatient care.
For Tiernan, witnessing patients make significant progress, regain lost skills, or achieve milestones in their communication abilities is the most joyful part of the profession.
“SLPs make a significant difference in the lives of individuals by helping them communicate effectively, which is essential for daily living and social interaction,” Tiernan said. “I am also able to build strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families and become an integral part of their support system.”
Speech-language pathology encompasses many functions that aim to diagnose, treat and manage speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
“Patients and their families are often surprised by the range of innovative and effective tools and techniques available in speech-language therapy,” Tiernan said. “These methods not only enhance the therapeutic process but also make it more engaging and tailored to individual needs.”
In fact, therapy can benefit infants less than a year old to adults.
Tiernan explains that therapy can be helpful for infants who are not babbling or making sounds by six to nine months or toddlers who have limited vocabulary at two or three years of age. It may also be helpful for social communication difficulties such as maintaining eye contact, taking turns in conversation or understanding social cues. Speech therapy can also treat feeding and swallowing issues, including problems with chewing, swallowing or frequent choking during meals.
In adults, speech therapy can help with post-stroke or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or traumatic brain injury. It can also aid challenges with memory, attention, problem-solving, or organizing thoughts due to brain injury or dementia. Speech therapy can even be a help to individuals who want to modify their accent for clearer communication in personal or professional settings.
The frequency of speech-language therapy sessions can vary widely based on a patient’s specific needs and the severity of their condition. Tiernan works directly with the patient and their caregivers to develop an individual plan.
“The goal is to tailor the therapy schedule to each patient’s individual needs and condition, ensuring the most effective and efficient treatment possible,” Tiernan said.
She goes on to explain that some patients benefit from short-term intense services, where they participate in frequent sessions over a few weeks, followed by a reassessment to determine any ongoing needs. Others will need long-term maintenance therapy with regular, less frequent sessions to manage chronic conditions or ongoing developmental needs.
Tiernan employs several tools and techniques to address patient concerns during a typical session. She may use targeted, goal-oriented exercises such as articulation drills or swallowing exercises; aids such as flashcards, communication boards or apps; and function practices, including social interactions or other activities relevant to daily life.
Patients will learn strategies to help them practice independently or provide caregivers with additional education to support ongoing progress. Tiernan often ends sessions with homework so patients can keep practicing to reinforce skills.
As with most medical treatments, Tiernan notes that treating speech-language concerns as soon as they are noticed can improve results. If individuals or caregivers notice difficulties or delays in communication skills that impact daily life, it is worth a conversation with their primary care provider and further evaluation.
“Early intervention is crucial, especially for children, as it can significantly improve outcomes,” Tiernan said. “An SLP can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate therapy strategies.”
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