“This Is My Solemn Vow”

QuoteNovember 9, 2018 speechonearth1 Comment

Dear Readers, In 30 days, I get to marry the sweetest, most handsome man I have ever met. For the past few months, as I am reflecting on marriage, I have also thought of my patients in the nursing home. How much is their perspective on marriage truly different from my own? The time in […]

The God of Love is Not Your Ex

October 17, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

I am not sure how I am supposed to begin writing this. I only know that I am supposed to begin. So after putting it off for far too long, here it goes. This is the most vulnerable post I have written thus far. However, I do know that our pain is for a purpose and that the Lord is good, and He meets us in the darkest places.

Without going into lengthy detail, I will say that my relationships in the past have not always been healthy. My friends and family were helpless bystanders in some of the ugliest, toxic situations that I can only blame myself for getting into.

I was consumed, smothered, and quite frankly, determined to wallow there for the rest of my days.

When I finally came up for air, I found myself diving into the most satisfying, exhilarating, and (what I wanted more than anything) committed relationship. And this very moment was my undoing. Read More »

Fall Craft: Pine Cone Bird Feeder

September 18, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

Last fall, my therapy team and I put together a simple craft for our patients. Most of them enjoy being outdoors and working with their hands, so this activity worked perfectly!

Here is a list of the items needed:Read More »

A Voice for Alzheimer’s Disease

September 10, 2018September 13, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

No one likes talking about Alzheimer’s disease, but I am a firm believer in being educated on topics that may one day affect myself or my loved ones. Even though sometimes I like to pretend everyone I care about is invincible, it’s just not the reality. Many people think the forgetful person in their life is “just getting old and senile.” Before I became educated on this disease, that was a phrase that often came from my own mouth. But then my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia (which is caused by Alzheimer’s disease and/or other related neurological diseases). My family was dumbfound. Why? Because we were not educated and not equipped to discern the warning signs that my grandfather clearly displayed.

Speech Therapy Life Skills: Grocery Shopping

ImageAugust 20, 2018August 20, 2018 speechonearth2 Comments

Dear Readers, Mastering practical life skills begins at an early age. I have prepared an example for grocery shopping – appropriate for toddlers to ages 10-12 years. Have your clients sequence events prior to executing the activity. Then, what better way to learn than in a multi-modal simulation? First: Make a shopping list. What are […]

30 Activities to Engage Your Loved One with Dementia

ImageAugust 8, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers, I have received many questions lately regarding stimulating and engaging with loved ones who have dementia. Here are few activities I have tried that have worked very well. Keep in mind every person with dementia is unique and some may respond better to certain tasks/activities while others may not. If you have any […]

Everyday’s a Monday

July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 speechonearth2 Comments

Dear Readers,

Have you ever encountered a person whose every word was encompassed by contempt, despair, and a sense of entitlement to the Lord’s blessings?

I am not talking about a person who is going through a season of clinical depression, but rather someone who is occupied by a grumbling heart.

You know who I am talking about. The acquaintance you tend to avoid meeting for lunch because despite your best efforts, after spending time with this person, you feel icky and in low spirits.

I am going to claim that every one of you has experienced this particular situation.

Next question: Have YOU ever been this person?

Decades of Trivia

July 10, 2018July 10, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

Here is a fun Friday afternoon mini-session for you.

Can you/your patients recall trivia from the 1920s, through the 1970s?

Thick-it? Let’s Talk About Consistency.

June 26, 2018November 2, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

Sometimes while working in the medical setting, (especially with high turn over rate, and at times non-compliance) remaining on the same page regarding patients’ diets can be a challenge.

This post is to provide a resource and an open door to discuss diet textures with staff members. Let’s begin here.

Agendas for Accountability and Expectations

June 6, 2018July 10, 2018 speechonearthLeave a comment

Dear Readers,

If you are anything like me, creating an agenda prior to therapy sessions is necessary. Of course this does not imply the session is going to adhere to anything you have planned. But, it is nice to have a guide that is individualized for your client (especially if your caseload is growing quickly). It can be difficult to keep track of each client’s goals and deficits you are targeting.
Easy Agenda