10 Ways Senior Communities in Rockingham, NC Use To Assist Seniors With Dysphagia In Safe Eating And Drinking

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a condition that is usually caused by weakening throat and mouth muscles. It can be due to aging or medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke. Here are ways that senior communities in Rockingham, NC can help ensure safe eating and drinking among the residents.

1. Prescribed Dysphagia Diet

When planning and serving meals or snacks, it is essential to conform to the prescribed diet, which includes thickened liquids. During the assessment, the specialist will recommend various food textures depending on the patient’s condition, or ability to chew and swallow.

2. Taking Medications

The nurses and trained nursing assistants in senior communities help to ensure that the residents take their medications safely. It may include taking oral medications with thick beverages instead of water, or crushed and mixed into pudding or thick foods. In cases where pills cannot be crushed, liquid versions are prescribed.

3. Staying Well Hydrated

Hydration is vital for good health. For seniors with dysphagia, liquids should be thickened. It takes longer to consume thickened liquids, so team members must pay keen attention to ensure that residents stay hydrated.

4. Ensuring Adequate Nutrition

Getting adequate calories can be challenging for dysphagia patients. Senior communities are careful when planning meals to ensure that the residents get all the calories they need. Nutritional ingredients and whole foods can be incorporated into healthy dysphagia diets.

5. Avoiding Straws

Using straws may not be a good idea depending on the patient’s condition. They may seem like helpful devices for residents who need assistance, but they tend to increase the flow of liquids into the mouth. Using stars can lead to aspiration or choking.

6. Avoiding Ice Cream

Ice cream and jello are popular desserts, but they are not recommended for people with dysphagia. It takes longer for the jaw and tongue to get food to the back of the mouth. The desserts melt and turn into liquid and if swallowed can lead to aspiration.

7. Encouraging Good Posture

It is vital for dysphagia patients to avoid slouching and sit up straight when taking meals. It allows food and drinks to go down successfully. Team members in the senior communities assist the residents by propping them up or holding their head when drinking or eating.

8. Timing Meal Times

Seniors with dysphagia usually have other health conditions such as Parkinson’s or MS. They experience symptoms like weakness and fatigue, which can make it hard to take meals effectively. Experts recommend eating and drinking in short durations throughout the day.

9. Removing Distractions

Removing distractions during mealtimes helps to ensure that seniors concentrate on eating. It is vital to make ample time for the meals, to allow complete chewing and swallowing. Team members are cognizant of cues that indicate the patient is distracted.

10. Smaller Meal Portions

Serving smaller food portions can make it easier for the patient to eat. Making food portions less intimidating and easier to handle is helpful. It may also include incorporating more finger foods that are easier to maneuver into the mouth. Sometimes, cutlery can be challenging to use.