Impairments in swallowing (dysphagia) are not uncommon. Dysphagia is often a result of the natural aging process. However, it has many other causes, including brain injury, progressive illness, and deconditioning following surgery or illness. Swallowing issues are also a concern arising in the palliative stages of life.
We work with individuals and aged care facilities to identify and manage swallowing impairments (dysphagia) causing discomfort, nutritional risk and, more seriously, risk of choking or grave illness.
We also provide important education on dysphagia to individuals aged care facility staff, and residents, as well as residents’ families at all stages of life.
Swallow assessments and recommendations
We attend private homes as well as private hospitals and aged care facilities to assess people’s swallow function. Depending on our findings we may:
- recommend, where indicated, the safest modified food & fluids for the individual; and/or
- identify other assistance techniques to safely support a resident to eat/drink.
Dysphagia education
Management of dysphagia requires knowledge on the part of aged care facility staff, the affected person, and their families. Consequently, we incorporate dysphagia education into every swallow assessment we perform.
We are also pleased to provide formal structured dysphagia education to individuals, their families and the people involved in their care and nourishment: nursing staff, care staff, and catering staff. Dysphagia eduction may be delivered as part of formal in-service training of staff or it may be included in discussions had as a part of family conferences. Topics frequently addressed in our education programs include:
- What is dysphagia?
- What are the red flags (tell-tale signs) for dysphagia?
- When is a referral to a Speech Pathologist required?
- What are the risks of not managing dysphagia?
- What is IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative)?
- How to prepare modified liquids, e.g. working with temperature differences, carbonation, alcohol.
- How to prepare modified foods and identify incorrectly modified foods.
- How can facility staff assist residents to eat/drink more safely?
Palliative care
Palliative care presents unique challenges as it relates to swallowing: for facility staff, for the family of the individual patient and, most importantly, for the individual themself. We are available to provide critical information and support at this difficult time to manage eating and drinking to make the palliative stage of life as comfortable as possible for every individual.