CONSIDERATIONS
WHEN PLANNING DYSPHAGIA INTERVENTION:
- diet must be specified to the particular patient's needs
and desires
- diet should have variety in consistency
- diet should be well balanced to maintain nutrition and
hydration...this person may be dependent on you!
- supplements may be needed such as vitamins or even a short
term feeding tube
- discuss the plan with caregivers, family members, patient,
speech language pathologist, nutritionist, and physician
FACTS ABOUT DYSPHAGIA:
- one way people maintain independence is by feeding themselves
- never leave a patient alone while eating dysphagia
is a factor
- length of time eating is not always a sign of how many
nutrients are being taken in, a large amount of food can be wasted during the struggle to eat
- a varied diet with innovative yet appropriate recipes can make meal time
more pleasant
Textures
Certain textures are easier then others to swallow, here
are some helpful tips about food texture:
- thin liquids are the hardest to swallow and cause the
most difficulty for Huntington's patients
- also, frozen liquids...remember they melt into thin liquids
- dairy products may cause excess secretions but this varies
- temperate foods are easier to swallow then those that
are very hot or very cold
- fruits and vegetables with skins, pits, or membranes should
be avoided these are very easy to choke on
- nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit should be avoided
they are hard to swallow
- stringy vegetables (celery and asparagus) should be avoided
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SAFE SWALLOWING TIPS FOR THE CAREGIVER, SPEECH PATHOLOGIST,
AND PATIENT:
Because each patient has different needs and abilities, a Speech
Language Patho-logist must always be consulted when developing a plan for dysphagia inter-vention.
After doing a detailed diagnostic (Modified Barium Swallow), an SLP
may help you implement some of the following:
- a specific diet limiting hard to swallow foods (such as thin liquids)
SETTING CHANGES:
- avoid eating when upset or tired
- do not overtax the system
POSTURE CHANGES:
Decreases excess movement and decreases chance of choking
- upright with head and neck support
- "chin tuck": directs food directly toward the esophagus preventing
aspiration, if the patient has a weakness on one side turn the head toward that side as well
- sit upright after eating for about 20 minutes to keep the patient from
aspirating any reflux that may occur
- have patient do a dry swallow after swallowing
DIET CHANGES: makes eating safer
- keep food amounts small try using a smaller fork or spoon
- Wait until you are completely finished swallowing and clearing a bite
of food before you get ready to take another bite
Source: University of Virginia |
