Supporting Seniors with Swallowing Difficulties: Challenges and Solutions
Seniors who are suffering from dysphagia or other swallowing difficulties may have a hard time getting the proper nutrition and may be at a higher risk for choking. It is important to make sure they get the right help for their needs, which can take many different forms depending on their specific challenges. Some of the help available to support seniors who have swallowing difficulties includes the following.
Special Dietary Needs and Modifications that can Help
For those with swallowing difficulties, eating different types of foods can be more challenging, as there is a risk of aspiration or choking. However, there are options available that can help them. Dietary modifications may be needed, but it is important to make sure they are still getting the right nutrients to fuel their body. Using a thickening agent from SimplyThick can be a good way to alter the diet to be easier for them to have nutritious meals and stay healthy while working on what else can be done to help them. This can be used alongside other modifications to make eating safer.
Difficulty Eating When Alone
Seniors who have swallowing difficulties may have trouble eating alone, which could mean having a caretaker to help them with their meals. They may also need help with things like taking medications if they have trouble swallowing water. Caretakers can use adaptive equipment designed for people suffering from dysphagia to make it easier for the senior to eat on their own. While the caretaker will be there to help if needed, this does give the senior some more independence at meal time and helps to make sure they are getting the right nutrition.
Challenges With Getting Out of the House
Having a swallowing disorder can make it far more challenging to get out of the house. They may not be able to go to a restaurant to be able to eat dinner with family and friends because of the challenges with eating and drinking. It is important for loved ones to make sure the senior is able to spend time with family and friends. A more relaxed and supportive environment can help to ensure they are able to enjoy time with family and friends without worrying about whether they’ll be able to eat or drink or if they’ll have any issues.
Other Medical Conditions and Impacts
Often, swallowing challenges occur because of an underlying medical issue, such as having a stroke. It is important for seniors to work closely with their doctor to determine the underlying causes and what treatments are available to them. Depending on the cause, there may be different treatments or therapies recommended. Seniors can benefit from working with a speech-language pathologist as well in order to create a personalized plan to help treat the swallowing disorder.
If you or a loved one is having trouble swallowing, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible to begin figuring out the cause and a treatment plan. This plan could use many of the solutions mentioned here to help combat the challenges faced by those who have swallowing disorders and can help to make it easier to live a more normal life. Schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor and look into food thickeners and other aids that can help.
