Services
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Swallowing Assessments
Clinical swallowing assessments help to identify the presence, type and severity of dysphagia. Each client receives a tailored mealtime support plan. We also provide ongoing reviews and, where indicated, swallowing rehabilitation.
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Communication Assessments
We provide assessment and therapy for communication disorders affecting speech, language, fluency, cognitive-communication, voice, and pragmatics. We also provide communication partner training to caregivers.
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Education & Workshops
Our workshops cover a variety of topics, including understanding and supporting communication and swallowing difficulties, modified textures and the IDDSI Framework. Education can be delivered to carers, hospitality, nurses and volunteers
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Face-to-face & Mobile Services
We provide services and support to adults and older people living on the Copper Coast, Yorke Peninsula and surrounding regions. Our services are mobile and we visit clients in their home, residential care or supported independent living facility.
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Dining Experience Audits
We observe one or more mealtimes and provide constructive feedback about promoting positive and holistic dining experiences; that promote independence, dignity, social interaction and engagement, and an ambient environment.
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Modified Texture Audits
To improve the safety and enjoyment of people needing modified food and fluids, we offer swallowing-focused Menu Reviews and Modified Meal Audits. This service supports kitchen staff in selecting appropriate modified diet recipes and ingredients.
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Recipe Adaptions & Creation
Are swallowing difficulties making it hard to enjoy a favorite meal? Let's work together to adapt beloved recipes, cultural cuisines, or even create something entirely new. Plus, my growing recipe resource, provides a reliable source for delicious texture-modified meals
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Speech Pathology Mentoring
Regular supervision and mentoring is vital for professional and personal growth. If you're a new/early career speech pathologist working with adults and older people in community or aged care settings, I can provide in person or online mentor support.
About Me
Hi there, I’m Katrina!
I’m a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist having completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Flinders University at the end of 2015.
I work with adults and older people living with swallowing and communication difficulties. My experience spans a wide range of conditions, including brain injuries, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, genetic conditions and age-related decline. I've delivered services across residential aged care, supported independent living, community, and private practice, reaching clients in metropolitan Adelaide, regional South Australia, and the Northern Territory.
I provide person-centered, holistic support to help individuals achieve their swallowing and communication goals and maximise quality of life. Services are provided face-to-face in clients' homes, because comfortable and familiar environments foster realistic and comprehensive assessments, sustainable recommendations, and effective strategies and/or therapy.
In addition to direct client care, I have worked with organisations and care providers; consulting on quality improvement, policy and procedure development, advising on dysphagia product selection, contributing to grant applications and assisting site managers and clinical teams in preparing for and responding to accreditation visits. I also led the successful rollout of the IDDSI Framework across multiple residential care facilities and provided ongoing support through texture-modified meal audits, dining experience surveys, menu reviews, recipe development and staff education.
My area of special interest is swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), texture modified diets and supporting nutrition, hydration and mealtime enjoyment for people who live with dysphagia.
If you’d like to arrange an appointment with me, then please complete this referral form.
Funding
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If you are an NDIS participant, you may be able to access fully funded speech pathology support. This will depend on your current plan and NDIS goals. Depending on your situation, speech pathology services may be funded under Capacity Building or Core Supports. If you are unsure, you can talk to your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator.
Copper Coast Speech Pathology provides services to NDIS participants who are Plan or Self Managed. We do not currently provide a service for Agency Managed NDIS participants.
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Most Private Health Insurance providers offer a rebate for speech pathology services as part of their Extras packages.
You will need to speak to your insurance provider directly or review your policy to confirm the rebate you are able to access.
If you are accessing a Private Health Insurance rebate, you will be required to pay the gap which is the difference between the cost of your speech pathology appointment and the insurance rebate value.
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Home Care Packages (Levels 1 –4) provide individualised funding packages to older people (over 65 years) living in the community, to fund services and supports to maintain independence and participation in their local communities.
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You may be eligible to access a Medicare rebate if you have a chronic health condition that is being managed by your GP through a speech pathology referral. You may be eligible for up to 5 rebated sessions in a calendar year with this referral.
If you are accessing a Medicare rebate, you will be required to pay the gap which is the difference between the cost of your speech pathology appointment and the Medicare rebate value.