Dysphagia, Safe Swallowing, and Mealtime Management
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a serious condition that affects many people with disability and various health conditions. Left unmanaged, it can lead to choking, malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia.
At Interchange, we prioritise safe swallowing practices to ensure every person we support enjoys mealtimes safely and comfortably. Our trained staff follow evidence-based Mealtime Management Plans tailored to individual needs, reducing health risks and promoting dignity and inclusion.
What is dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties, which may include:
Pain or discomfort while swallowing
Difficulty chewing or moving food in the mouth
Coughing or choking on food or drink
Food or liquid falling from the mouth
A sensation of food being stuck in the throat
Dysphagia is linked to various conditions, including congenital syndromes, cerebral palsy, stroke, cancer, and chronic lung disease. Identifying and managing swallowing difficulties early can significantly improve a person’s quality of life.
Find more possible signs and symptoms of dysphagia HERE.
How Interchange Ensures Safe Mealtimes
- Specialised Staff Training
All Interchange employees receive training to recognise signs of dysphagia and safely assist with eating and drinking. This training helps our team:
- Identify early signs of swallowing difficulties
- Respond appropriately to choking and aspiration risks
- Follow safe mealtime assistance techniques
- Mealtime Management
For individuals requiring support, Interchange implements Mealtime Management Plans developed in collaboration with health professionals. These plans include:
- Safe seating positions and posture for eating
- Assistance techniques tailored to the individual
- Step-by-step responses to coughing or choking incidents
- Use of specialised equipment for severe dysphagia
- Food and drink modifications for safer swallowing
By following these personalised plans, we help prevent medical complications and ensure mealtimes are a safe, social, and positive experience.
Need Support?
Interchange is committed to providing quality, person-centred mealtime support for people with dysphagia. If you have questions about our approach or services, please contact us at hello@interchangewa.org.au or fill out the form below.
References:
NDIS Commission Practice Alert: Dysphagia, safe swallowing, and mealtime management, (2020) https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020-11/practice-alert-dysphagia-safe-swallowing-and-mealtime-management.pdf
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, (2010), https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/dysphagia
Let’s start a conversation
Would you like to speak to one of our friendly Interchangers about how we can support you during mealtimes and beyond? Fill in the form below and we will get back to you shortly.