Understanding Dysphagia: Swallowing Difficulties in Home Care

Dysphagia describes conditions involving difficulty swallowing food and drink. It looks different for everyone: some people struggle with certain foods or liquids, while others find it hard to swallow at all. Older adults are at higher risk of developing swallowing difficulties, and Service Users with dysphagia need extra support to make sure they still get proper nutrition and hydration.

Signs of dysphagia

Signs to look out for include:

• ✓Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
• ✓Bringing food back up
• ✓The sensation of something being stuck in the throat
• ✓Persistent drooling of saliva

What causes it, and why it matters

Dysphagia is usually caused by other underlying health conditions. Symptoms can cause pain or discomfort when eating or drinking, which in turn can lead to weight loss and, in some cases, make it difficult to breathe. Left unsupported, it can pose a real risk to health and contribute to a worsening of pre-existing conditions, including malnutrition, weight loss and dehydration.

How we support Service Users with dysphagia

Small, soft, mashed or puréed food is generally recommended for people with dysphagia, and our carers follow individual care plans and any guidance from a Speech and Language Therapist when preparing meals. Smoothies, soups and soft fruit are good ways to support a healthy, nutritious diet without the difficulty of swallowing tougher foods.

A Speech and Language Therapist can assess which foods and textures are safest for each individual, and dietitians or GPs can prescribe a thickening agent to help with swallowing where needed. If a Service User is having difficulty breathing or appears to be choking while eating, this is a medical emergency and 111 or 999 should be called straight away.

Frequently Asked Questions