Initial phone consultation
Amy will ask you for some background information and make an appointment to see you.
It’s no problem if you are already seeing a Manx Care Speech Therapist. Amy will ask you for their details and, wherever possible, she will work closely with them so that your treatment is managed effectively.
Initial sessions
The first one or two sessions are focused on getting to know you and the changes in your communication and/or swallowing. This involves taking a case history and administering formal and informal tests. Depending on the complexity of your case, this usually takes 45 mins – 2 hours.
Amy will then provide you with an initial impression of whether therapy is required and whether she is the right therapist for you. Amy is able to make onward referrals to other professionals as necessary.
Therapy
The intensity and nature of therapy will depend on your difficulty. Treatment options will be discussed following your initial session(s). Therapy can be offered more than once a week if we feel that you would benefit from higher intensity input. Most often, regular therapy sessions last between 30 mins – 1 hour. In certain circumstances, she is able to provide distance therapy via Zoom.
Independent home practice can be provided to help you maintain your progress between therapy sessions, perhaps with the support of loved ones. Amy always aims to train family members/carers/support workers who work closely with you if appropriate.
After a period of therapy, your goals will be reviewed. We will then decide together whether further therapy is required. Sometimes swallowing difficulties require further investigation, if this is necessary, Amy will arrange a referral to Nobles Hospital.
When we have decided that you have come to the end of therapy, Amy will write a formal report outlining the outcomes of what you have done together.
AMY HOWSE 