Many seniors have difficulty swallowing food or liquids and are diagnosed with dysphagia. If left untreated, this condition can lead to several health issues. Approximately 15 percent of seniors are believed to have this condition, which impacts a significant number of nursing home residents. How can a person manage dysphagia? What should they know about this condition?
Diagnosing Dysphagia
Speech pathologists use a swallow test to determine whether a person has dysphagia or if another issue is causing their swallowing difficulties. The individual drinks a barium solution before swallowing liquids of varying consistencies. As they consume these liquids, X-rays are continuously taken to see how their swallowing mechanisms work.
Depending on what is seen in the X-rays, the speech pathologist may order additional tests. The X-ray swallow test looks for liquid entering the lungs rather than the stomach because it can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Once the doctor determines the person has dysphagia, they will recommend a special diet of thickened foods and liquids. Commercial thickeners produced by SimplyThick can ensure that the food and drinks are the correct consistency for the individual. What else should a person know when caring for a senior with dysphagia?
Medications
Medications often need to be thickened so the senior can take them safely. Talk with the medical team to see if the patient can swallow them with a thickened beverage. If the medication is in pill form, learn whether it can be crushed and added to a thickened food. Crushed pills usually have a bitter taste, so they need to be mixed with food with a strong or sweet taste to mask the bitterness. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist before crushing any pill, as some medications cannot be crushed. Crushing them increases the risk of side effects. Care must also be taken when mixing pills in foods, as there could be a reaction.
Healthy Nutrition
Men and women with dysphagia are at higher risk of malnutrition. Eating a healthy diet can be challenging due to swallowing difficulties, so caregivers must ensure that individuals receive enough calories to maintain a healthy weight and the necessary vitamins and minerals for their bodies to function correctly. A person might turn to protein drinks as meal replacements, but they are often tricky to thicken and frequently contain unhealthy ingredients.
Add high-fat foods like peanut butter or Greek yogurt to sweet and savory meals to boost the calorie count and help the individual maintain their weight. Puree fruits, beans, and steamed vegetables and add them to thickened soups and purees to increase the nutritional value of these meals. Protein powders can be added to an individual’s diet to help them build muscle and maintain their strength.
Timing Meals
People with dysphagia need additional time to finish their meals. However, if they have a chronic illness such as Parkinson’s disease, long meals are tiring. When they get tired, it becomes harder for them to swallow their food and liquids. Talk with the speech pathologist to see if meals should be smaller and more frequent. These meals ensure they meet their nutritional requirement while remaining alert as they eat.
Caring for a loved one with dysphagia is challenging. Caregivers should consult with this individual’s medical team to learn more about the condition and how they can assist their loved one in managing it. With the help of these professionals, ensuring that this individual’s dietary needs are met becomes easier.
