‘There’s just a high demand’: Nebraska seniors impacted by shortage of speech therapists

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The demand is high for speech therapists nationwide, especially for those working with seniors in Nebraska.

Maria Hippen, a speech pathologist at the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice, says not enough people are entering the field of study.

“I think that comes down to there’s just a high demand for speech therapists in general,” she said. “They just can’t educate and produce enough.”

Typically, speech therapists in senior care work with patients who exhibit changes in meal management and memory.

But Hippen says many therapists instead opt for medical or education jobs, which may have better benefits.

“I think a lot of therapists come out very well-trained to work in like a hospital or a school setting, and geriatrics just isn’t an area that people originally start out getting training in,” she said.

Despite some misconceptions, Hippen thinks the biggest award is helping those experiencing change.

“Make their lives better, and train staff for caregivers, family members,” she said. “That part of it just makes the job really rewarding.”