6 November 2025
The RCSLT have published a position statement highlighting the evidence and benefits of embedding SLTs within care home settings.
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) are a vital part of all multidisciplinary teams that input into care homes and play an important role in supporting the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people living in care homes.
SLTs help residents stay safe, connected and understood by supporting both communication and eating, drinking and swallowing (EDS) needs. Their input prevents avoidable hospital admissions, reduces delays in discharge, and promotes safer, more enjoyable mealtimes. By improving communication, SLTs also reduce isolation, enhance decision making, and strengthen relationships between residents, staff and families.
However, the benefits of embedding SLTs into care homes are only achievable if additional, sustainable funding for the speech and language therapy workforce is made available. Investing in SLTs means investing in compassionate, person-centred care that supports residents to live with dignity, confidence and inclusion.
This document is intended to provide stakeholders, including members, decision makers, service planners and care home providers, with essential information to support the development of business proposals and make a compelling case for embedding SLTs within care home settings and increasing core funding for SLTs within community teams.
