‘Oh they always cough like that.’

Sometimes when assessing a resident at an aged care facility, I’ll hear another resident coughing during or after their meal. When I ask a staff member or relative if the resident is ok, I more often than not, get the answer ‘Oh, they always do that.’

Coughing is the body’s way of protecting the airway from substances that are heading to the lungs, but shouldn’t be. The fact that someone ‘always does that’ doesn’t mean it’s ok. In fact, it’s one of the danger signs of a swallowing problem.

Choking is one of the top 3 causes of death in our elderly population. Aspiration pneumonia can occur when food or fluid has gone into the lungs instead of the stomach. This infection can lead to hospitalisation and, in the worst case, can be deadly. 

Keeping our elderly safe and comfortable when eating and drinking, is easier than you think. We just need the right education.

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