But they’re very careful when eating.

I completely understand concerned relatives of the elderly wanting everything to remain the same for them. We all like continuity. It keeps us at ease. The elderly has a lot to contend with as they navigate their body changing over time. Many find themselves overwhelmed with a variety of health issues. The challenges also affect those caring for the loved one and the families.

When we assess the swallowing function, we aim to keep the resident or loved one being cared for at home, on a diet that is as close to their present one as possible. Paramount in our minds too is, of course, the safety of the loved one.

As careful as anyone might be when eating or drinking, the vital part of the swallowing mechanism, is actually completely involuntary. Unfortunately, it just won’t matter how very careful you are eating or drinking, if your swallowing mechanism has deteriorated, that meal may well head straight to your lungs. Food or fluid shouldn’t go there. And it causes serious issues such as choking or an infection like pneumonia; these 2 incidents being amongst the top 3 causes of death in the elderly. Sorry to be blunt. 

Education about Safe Swallowing is one of the basic aspects of duty of care in the elderly.



Learn more about cost effective, online education. Take the Course