Food is an integral part of most people’s lives. Granted, it’s essential for survival. We all need the nutrients foods provide to stay strong and healthy. For many people, though, it runs much deeper than that. Family gatherings, social events, and even some business affairs revolve around food in some way. When someone is living with swallowing difficulties, that changes everything.
If a loved one you’re caring for has been diagnosed with dysphagia, helping them cope with the condition and overcome it can be difficult. No doubt, you want to provide the best care and support possible. The following advice can help simplify matters.
Use Thickening Agents
Taking in plenty of fluids is crucial for our health. People who live with dysphagia often struggle with that, though. Liquids can be particularly difficult to manage. They’re hard to control because they can quickly move from the mouth to the esophagus. From there, they can enter the airway, where they can cause infections and many other problems. Adding thickening agents, such as Simply Thick, to beverages and other liquids can make them easier to control and reduce the risks involved. That makes drinking less intimidating and risky.
Food Choice Is Essential
Additionally, how you prepare food for your loved one can make a significant difference. Some foods are more difficult to swallow than others, with dry, sticky, and hard options being common culprits. Those with mixed textures, like chunky soups, can be hard to control as well. It’s best to avoid those foods when possible.
You can add sauces and broths to dry foods to make them more moist. Blending harder foods with gravies and sauces can make them easier for your loved one to eat as well. Be sure to fully cook vegetables before serving them to your loved one. In many cases, cold foods like ice cream should be avoided as well because they can numb the mouth and throat, and they melt into thin liquids that are more difficult to control.
Eat in an Upright Position
Being sure your loved one eats in an upright position is important as well. They should sit at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to allow food to travel along the esophagus properly. That reduces the risks of choking and aspiration. Keep them in that position for around 30 minutes after eating to ensure no food remains in the esophagus.
Monitor Your Loved One Closely
Furthermore, it’s best to monitor your loved one closely while they’re eating. Be sure they eat slowly, taking small bites. Watch for coughing, throat clearing, and other signs of trouble that could indicate they’re choking or they’ve aspirated their food or drink. If you notice any of these signs, have your loved one stop eating and follow any instructions their doctor or speech-language pathologist may have provided to resolve the issue.
Taking Care of a Loved One With Dysphagia
Dysphagia can be a challenging condition to live with. It makes eating and drinking, which most people take for granted, stressful and dangerous. If you’re caring for a loved one who has swallowing difficulties, making mealtime safer and less stressful for them is crucial. With the points mentioned here, you can keep your loved one safe and healthy while also making meals more enjoyable for them.