Key points when caring for someone with swallowing problems
It is 12:15 pm and the lunches have arrived on the ward. You go into Violet’s room and she is slumped in her chair, fast asleep. The room is in darkness and the TV is on.
These are some of the environmental factors you should consider when preparing to assist a person with swallowing problems to eat/drink. It is also important to make sure you are in a comfortable position before you start.
- Do not leave the TV on for stimulation
- Turn on the lights
- Turn TV off
- Do not change Violet’s position so that her head is tilted backwards
- Do not leave the lights off so Violet can continue to doze while you feed her
- Make sure Violet is fully awake and alert
- Change Violet’s position so that she is sitting upright and not leaning over to one side
- Straws are not usually recommended for people with swallowing issues. Straws can cause the liquid to be placed further back in the mouth and too much liquid can be sucked through a straw at once. These can cause the liquid to go down the wrong way. Spouted beakers can have similar effects. The person using the spouted beaker will often put their head back to drink and this can cause fluid to enter the airway. Any individualised advice will be specified in the care plan.
Page last reviewed: 24 Nov 2020
