Catering for People with Swallowing Difficulties – Dysphagia

There are many people, across a wide cross section of society who have a diagnosed swallowing difficulty – Dysphagia. Dysphagia occurs as a result of underlying medical conditions, people who are at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19. There are also other aspects of treatment and illness that can lead to this potentially life threatening condition. If you are catering for people with swallowing difficulties there are an number of things to consider.

Take a look at our VideoCast on catering with for people with swallowing difficulties – dysphagia and get valuable insights from our expert panel who deal with this in their day-to-day lives.

Catering for People with Swallowing Difficulties – Dysphagia VideoCast covers:

• What is dysphagia and what are the signs
• How do I know what food and drink textures are safe?
• How can I provide food that is safe for dysphagia?
• Safe communication as part of a dysphagia food service

There are also clinical and practical insights that will help you understand how you can set up to support people in the best possible way.

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Further Support

There are great resources available across a wide knowlwdge base to help support you deliver food and drink safely to people with dysphagia.

IDDSI

To understand the framework used by clinicians, such as Fiona, to describe recommended food and drink textures visit the IDDSI website by clicking HERE.

“IDDSI – International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative – A global initiative to improve the lives of over 590 million people worldwide living with dysphagia.” – IDDSI website

Oak House Kitchen

To view some videos that we have made to bring more clarity on how to make foods suitable for the IDDSI Framework click the following links:

Food Testing and Suitable Foods for Dysphagia – “Name Change or Game Change”

Considerations of Ingredients and Cooking Methods when Making Food for IDDSI – “Myths and Truths about Modifying Foods for IDDSI”

The NACC

Visit the NACC website or contact them directly from the site to find out more information and where to get hold of ‘ready to eat’ dysphagia foods, equipment and advice. Click HERE to go to the NACC website.

To return to our VideoCast series click HERE.