SWALLOWING & MEALTIME MANAGEMENT FOR ADULTS

Around a million Australians have difficulty swallowing - also known as Dysphagia. 

Dysphagia is especially prevalent in older people and people living with a physical disability or neurological disease. Speech Pathologists are dedicated to the health and wellness of people with dysphagia by supporting them to eat and drink safely and with enjoyment. We work to help people maintain quality of life through eating and drinking. 

Adults with disabilities or health conditions affecting movement, nerves and brain pathways can experience taste changes, difficulties chewing and moving food around in the mouth. Frequent coughing, choking, gagging or food or drink going 'down the wrong way' are also signs of dysphagia. If you are concerned about changes to your swallowing - please discuss it with your doctor and consider seeing a Speech Pathologist. 

What happens in a swallowing assessment?

Before the assessment we ask lots of questions. Then we simply watch you eat and drink! 

Sometimes we will ask to watch you eat and drink at different times of the day, in different settings, or before or after certain medications. 

We watch, listen and observe. We work with you to find ways to make eating easier or safer - such as trialling different textures, ways of eating or adaptive utensils. We may make suggestions regarding positioning or seating. Sometimes modifications to the environment can be helpful - such as moving away from distractions. Speechies listen carefully to the key people involved in feeding - 'the mealtime partners' and may offer support or advice if needed. 

After the swallowing/feeding assessment, a Mealtime Management Plan will usually be written up. Sometimes we use creative ways to make sure everyone who uses it can understand it and access it - such as incorporating pictures, videos or step by step routines to support caregivers. 

Q. Does the NDIS cover Dysphagia Management?

A. For many NDIS participants with dysphagia - funding specifically for dysphagia management may be built into your plan.  Read more on the NDIS website here.  As always - do not hesitate to contact me to discuss.  

Q: Can you cure dysphagia?

A. Some people recover from dysphagia completely or partially, for example after a stroke or brain injury. Speech Pathologists help people with rehabilitation to improve their swallowing, by doing exercises of the mouth, tongue or throat. In other cases, swallowing problems may get better or worse with time, or even fluctuate over time. Often, Speech Pathologists support people living with swallowing problems to manage the good days and the not so good days. 

Q. I have been living with dysphagia for many years and have never seen a Speech Pathologist before. Why should I see one now?

A. Many people live with dysphagia for a long time and get used to figuring out what works. After all, we are all experts when it comes to our own bodies. However, there may be times when swallowing problems get worse, like when you are unwell. When this happens - it is recommended to discuss a referral to a Speech Pathologist with your GP or Specialist. Sometimes when familiar caregivers are no longer able to provide care, new support people or mealtime partners need support and training to understand dysphagia and an individual's needs - like in supported accommodation or a nursing home. Speech Pathologists are great advocates for people with dysphagia - we stick up for your right to enjoy eating and drinking and live life to the fullest, while keeping you safe from choking and aspiration (food going into the lungs).