Speech Pathology Services for Older Adults
Innerlink Therapy provides Speech Pathology services for older adults across Belmore, Canterbury-Bankstown, Sydney’s Inner West and surrounding suburbs.
Our Speech Pathologists support older adults experiencing swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), communication challenges, dementia and neurological conditions.
Speech Pathology is an eligible allied-health service under the Australian Government’s Support at Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. Services may be arranged through a registered Support at Home provider, subject to assessed needs and funding arrangements.
Swallowing Assessments and Dysphagia Management
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can affect a person’s ability to eat, drink and take medications safely.
Our Speech Pathologists provide clinical swallowing assessments and individualised recommendations, which may include:
- Assessment of eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.
- Recommendations regarding food textures and fluid consistencies.
- Development of individualised mealtime management plans.
- Strategies to support safer and more comfortable eating and drinking.
- Education and guidance for family members, carers and support staff.
- Recommendations for further medical or instrumental swallowing assessments where clinically indicated.
Learn more about our Swallowing Assessment Services.
Speech, Language and Communication Support
Changes in communication can occur following stroke, neurological conditions or age-related health changes.
Our Speech Pathologists support older adults experiencing:
- Difficulties expressing thoughts, words or ideas.
- Challenges understanding spoken language.
- Changes in speech clarity.
- Cognitive-communication difficulties affecting everyday conversations.
- Communication difficulties associated with dementia or acquired brain injury.
Therapy focuses on helping individuals communicate their needs, maintain social connections and participate in everyday activities.
Dementia and Neurological Conditions
People living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and other neurological conditions may experience changes in communication and swallowing.
Our Speech Pathologists provide individualised assessments, practical communication strategies and swallowing management recommendations.
We also work with families and carers to support effective communication and participation in everyday activities.
Mealtime Management Plans and Carer Education
Following a swallowing assessment, our Speech Pathologists may provide an individualised mealtime management plan outlining appropriate recommendations and strategies.
Depending on clinical findings, this may include guidance on food textures, fluid consistencies, positioning, supervision and mealtime assistance.
We can also provide education to carers and support staff to help them understand and implement recommendations consistently.
Home Visits and Clinic Appointments
Speech Pathology services may be provided in a person’s home or at our Belmore clinic, depending on clinical needs, location and therapist availability.
Our team works with families, carers and aged care providers to coordinate suitable appointments.
Travel fees may apply to home visits. Funding approval and service arrangements should be confirmed before booking.
How to Access Speech Pathology Through Support at Home
Speech Pathology is an eligible allied-health service under the Australian Government’s Support at Home program.
If you or someone you care for requires assistance with swallowing, communication or other speech-related difficulties, the following steps can help you access suitable services.
If you are not already receiving government-funded aged care services, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website to request an aged care assessment.
An assessment will determine your eligibility and the types of services you may require.
Step 2 — Review Your Support Plan
If you are approved for Support at Home, you will receive a Notice of Decision and support plan outlining your assessed care needs and approved services.
Discuss your Speech Pathology requirements with your registered Support at Home provider or care partner.
Step 3 — Arrange Speech Pathology Services
Your registered Support at Home provider may be able to arrange Speech Pathology services through Innerlink Therapy, subject to your approved supports, available funding and appropriate service arrangements.
Our Speech Pathologists can assist with swallowing assessments, mealtime management, communication difficulties and other Speech Pathology needs.
Innerlink Therapy welcomes enquiries from older adults, family members, carers and aged care providers seeking Speech Pathology services.
We can discuss your clinical needs, appointment availability and service arrangements with your Support at Home provider.
Phone: 02 8065 1197
Email: info@innerlinktherapy.com.au
Contact Innerlink Therapy
For more information about accessing government-funded aged care services, visit My Aged Care – Support at Home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Support at Home Speech Pathology
Can Speech Pathology be funded through Support at Home? Yes. Speech Pathology is an eligible clinical allied-health service under the Australian Government’s Support at Home program.
Eligible services may include swallowing assessments, communication therapy and support for age-related communication difficulties, where these meet a person’s assessed needs and approved care arrangements.
Services must be coordinated through the person’s registered Support at Home provider.
Can I choose Innerlink Therapy for my Speech Pathology assessment? You may request Innerlink Therapy as your preferred Speech Pathology service provider.
Your registered Support at Home provider will need to confirm that the services are appropriate for your assessed needs and that suitable funding and service delivery arrangements can be established.
Can a Speech Pathologist visit me at home? Yes. Innerlink Therapy offers Speech Pathology home visits across Belmore, Canterbury-Bankstown, Sydney’s Inner West and surrounding suburbs, subject to location, clinical needs and therapist availability.
Home visits may include swallowing assessments, communication assessments, therapy and mealtime management recommendations.
Can Speech Pathology help someone living with dementia? Yes. Speech Pathologists can support people living with dementia who experience communication or swallowing difficulties.
Support may include communication strategies, swallowing assessments, individualised mealtime recommendations and education for family members and carers.
Our approach considers each person’s abilities, preferences and everyday needs.
Will I need to pay for Speech Pathology under Support at Home? Speech Pathology is classified as a clinical support under Support at Home. Eligible clinical supports are government-funded without a participant contribution.
However, services must be included in your approved care arrangements and delivered through your registered Support at Home provider. Your provider should confirm service pricing, funding availability and any proposed arrangements before an appointment is booked.
For further information, visit My Aged Care.