Swallowing Difficulties
Assessment for Swallowing Difficulties
We always advise that face-to-face contact is the best way to assess your swallow function.
Although we can make suggestions over the phone, based on what you tell us, nothing beats being able to directly observe clients eating and drinking in person, either at home or in a care setting.
Treatment for Swallowing Difficulties
As with any of our impairment-based interventions, we produce client-centred goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed (SMART), before creating tailored exercise plans that are designed to address the impairment and restore swallow function as much as possible.
Management of Swallowing Difficulties
Following our assessment, we may recommend changes to diet and fluid consistencies or suggest strategies to manage the issues we identify.
In severe cases, where eating and drinking safely is not possible, we offer guidance on future decisions regarding feeding options and support with secretion management.
Our goal is not just to ensure safe eating and drinking where possible; we also want to keep the experience enjoyable.