🧠💬 May is Better Hearing & Speech Month!
Ask a Speech Therapist: Meet Crystal!
Ever wondered what a speech therapist does in senior living? We sat down with Crystal Graybeal, MA CCC-SLP, to learn more about her work—and it’s so much more than talking.
✨Q: What does a speech therapist treat in older adults?
✨A: “I work with swallowing disorders, memory/cognition, and communication challenges—often due to strokes, Parkinson’s, or dementia. It’s about improving quality of life and helping residents stay as independent as possible.”
Q: Swallowing? That’s part of speech therapy?
A: “Yes! Swallowing is vital—it can literally be life or death. We help prevent choking or aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia. We modify diets, practice swallowing strategies, and use therapy tools to strengthen those muscles.”
Q: What does a swallowing-friendly diet look like?
A: “It might mean softer foods, ground meats, or purees. Liquids can range from thin like water to thick like honey. Each recommendation is customized to what the resident can safely swallow.”
Q: How do you help with memory?
A: “We use visual aids, digital clocks, routines, and written cues to help residents navigate their day—like signs to help them find the dining room or remember appointments.”
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A: “Seeing someone age in place and thrive. Whether it’s helping someone with dementia eat safely or supporting independence through memory aids—it’s an honor to walk that journey with them.”
Q: What inspired you to become a speech therapist?
A: “My cousin had muscular dystrophy, and my grandmother had dementia and strokes. I started in pediatrics, but once I worked with older adults, I knew this was my calling.”
👩⚕️ Fun Fact About Crystal
She’s a mom of two boys, loves hiking, kayaking, and spending time with family.
“I grew up in Wilkesboro, went to Western Carolina and Appalachian, and love living close to both work and family.”
💬 Have more questions for our speech therapy team?
Drop them in the comments or message us directly. We’re happy to answer!
#AbernethyLaurels #EveryAgeMatters #QandA #SpeechTherapy #SeniorCare #DementiaSupport #SLP #SwallowingAwareness #HealthyAging
#BetterHearingAndSpeechMonth #SpeechTherapyAwareness #AgingWell #DementiaSupport #SeniorCare #SLP #GeriatricTherapy #LifePlanCommunity #SwallowingDisorders #CognitiveHealth
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🔥 Join Us Around the Campfire of Compassion! 🔥
Be a hero this summer at Camp Do Good, our special blood drive hosted at Spirit Place on the Abernethy Laurels campus!
🌟 One donation can save multiple lives—and that's a badge of honor you can wear with pride.
🩸 Blood Drive Details:
📅 Thursday, June 5
🕛 12:00–4:30 PM
📍 Abernethy Laurels – Spirit Place
102 Leonard Ave, Newton, NC 28658
🎟 Reserve your time slot:
👉 www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=abernethy
Or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and search by sponsor code 'Abernethy' or use our zip code 28658.
🚶♂️ Walk-ins are welcome if schedule permits.
💊 Please note: Some medications, such as blood thinners and aspirin, may affect your eligibility. Check the full guidelines here:
🔗 www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html?
🎁 Bonus Perks for Donors!
Get a $15 e-gift card AND a chance to win a $7,000 prize!
🔗 Learn more at rcblood.org/Count
Let’s make a difference together—because compassion is always in season. ❤️
#CampDoGood #AbernethyLaurels #BloodDrive #GiveBlood #SaveLives #DoGoodFeelGood #AgingWell #EveryAgeMatters
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Every year, members of the leadership teams at all EveryAge locations gather to talk about past successes, future goals, organizational plans, and ways we can collaborate. This year, we met up at The Graham Mill, where we enjoyed an update on the strength of the organization by president and CEO Lee Syria, along with an inspirational presentation by Patrick Henry and a lunch of local barbecue! The retreat is such a terrific way to recharge and reconnect – we look forward to it each spring! #everyage #LeadershipMatters #businessretreat #colleaguesandfriends #nonprofitleadership
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