May is National Better Speech and Hearing Month. What better way to celebrate than to check in with one of our great Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), Victoria Pavelko, for some tips to promote safe eating and drinking in the older adult population.
By: Victoria Pavelko, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech pathologists are trained clinicians in addressing swallow problems across the lifespan. When asked why I went into this field, my answer is simple: “So that when I’m 95 and want my cake and ice cream, someone is there is help me do it safely.”
After almost two decades as a Speech Language Pathologist, I have found that there are many great and simple strategies that can help adults eat and drink safely.
Here are a few of my favorite tips:
Set the Environment – a calm, pleasant environment helps set the mood for a successful meal. Turn off the TV, turn on relaxing music. Turn on the lights to make it easier to see food items and utensils. Good lighting also helps improve communication since we convey so much thru facial expressions. Also, make sure the color of the plate CONTRASTS with what is resting around it and the food on it.
Ready, Set, Eat – Help assist the person with toileting and cleaning their hands prior to the meal. All assistive devices should be in place: dentures, hearing aids, glasses, etc. Ensure a safe, upright posture. Sometimes reclining backwards only a few degrees will exacerbate swallowing difficulties.
Provide Verbal and Nonverbal Cues – Sometimes all that is needed is a verbal prompt to ‘begin eating’ or to ‘try a bite’. Other times, the person may need more specific assistance such as getting the food onto the fork or bringing the fork to the mouth.
Minimize Choking Risk – Sit face to face so you can watch the person you are helping. Smaller bites and sips are safest. A slower pace is safer than a faster pace. Use a clear glass to gauge how much liquid has been consumed. Touch their lower lip with the utensil to assist in closing their mouth and triggering a swallow. Do NOT offer additional bites and sips until all has been cleared from their mouth.
Oral Care for the Win – Teeth or no teeth, everyone should use a toothbrush morning and night! Oral care reduces bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria can cause aspiration pneumonia if it gets into the lungs.
Cheers to healthy, happy eating and drinking…and to helping others do the same!
Victoria M Pavelko, MS CCC SLP
If you or a loved one is having difficulty eating or drinking without coughing or choking contact our office to schedule an evaluation by one of our Speech Language Pathologists.