Tips for Care Partners: Helping Adults With Swallowing Disorders

[en Español]

People who have swallowing disorders (this condition is called dysphagia) often need help eating and drinking safely. Support from care partners, companions, and loved ones is critical to a person’s recovery and to successful management of their dysphagia.

Dysphagia can lead to other medical issues like dehydration and pneumonia. This makes it important to talk to a doctor if you suspect a swallowing problem. Ask for a referral to a speech-language pathologist (SLP)—a professional who diagnoses and treats dysphagia.

Here are some ways that care partners can help people with swallowing difficulties:

• Provide support. Someone may need encouragement to seek help in the first place, or they may have a tough time with the treatment and recovery process. Regardless, you can make a difference by offering patience and understanding.

• Be an advocate. Accompany the person to their swallowing evaluation and follow-up appointments. Help them deal with insurance issues and paperwork. Ask questions of the doctor and/or SLP to understand the problem and treatment recommendations.

• Prepare food. If treatment involves changes to the texture of food or drinks, help the person prepare food or liquid to those recommended textures. If it requires avoiding certain types of food, help them find acceptable alternatives. An SLP can provide details that fit the person’s needs.

• Help them with swallowing techniques and exercises. Swallowing therapy may include exercises, special movements, or strategies to make swallowing easier. An SLP will recommend and teach the right approach for their needs. Support them in practicing these techniques regularly.

• Take notes. A person with dysphagia may need to track how much food or liquid they consume and then share that information with their doctor or SLP. Help them keep a log of these details.

• Encourage good oral care. It’s important for people with swallowing problems to keep their mouth clean to help prevent infections and other health issues. Remind them to brush their teeth regularly and to rinse their mouth before and after meals. Keep up with dental visits.

• Be flexible. Care partners may have to change how they plan for and prepare food for their families, and how mealtimes are handled in general. This can be hard on everyone, but try to keep a positive outlook as you navigate this new situation. Do your best to avoid causing additional stress for the person.

• Be creative. Food and eating are often a central part of social events and family routines. People with swallowing problems may feel left out or may isolate themselves. Spend time with them, and help them stay socially connected. This may involve finding ways to make eating and drinking easier for them during their regular activities, or participating in new activities that don’t involve food.

• Respect their preferences. Eating is a big part of a person’s life. If they are struggling with a particular strategy, texture modification, or other aspect of treatment, don’t simply dismiss their concerns. Talk to their doctor and SLP to see if they can find a solution that keeps the person safe while they eat and supports their wishes and overall quality of life.

If you want to help someone connect with a professional in order to seek treatment for their dysphagia, have them ask their doctor to recommend an SLP in your area. You can also search for one through the ASHA ProFind national database. Look for an SLP who specializes in swallowing disorders. For more information, visit www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/swallowing-disorders-in-adults/.