How to Safely Feed Someone With Swallowing Difficulties

When swallowing, the brain coordinates the muscles and nerves to push the food or drink from the mouth to the stomach. When any of these parts is unwell, swallowing becomes painful or uncomfortable. Therefore, brain disorders, nervous system problems, and muscle disorders or injuries could lead to swallowing difficulties.

Swallowing challenges are medically called dysphagia and could lead to choking, aspiration, or pain. Therefore, families caring for dysphagia patients, especially older adults, should choose healthy foods with the correct texture to lower the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia, caused by food particles sliding down the windpipe to the lungs. This article will explain how to safely feed someone with swallowing difficulties.

Pureed Foods and Thickened Drinks

Seniors with swallowing difficulties can rely on pureed vegetables, meat, fruits, and porridge. They can also drink thickened foods and drinks, which have a smooth texture. So, caregivers should consider shopping for food thickener to improve the texture and consistency of foods and beverages. They can also buy pureed or thickened foods ready for use from retail stores.

Caregivers can mash or blend fruits and soft foods to make it easier for the patient to chew, swallow, and digest. However, it is advisable to select nutritious foods and drinks that can provide essential nutrients and minerals to ensure the person with dysphagia is well-nourished.

Dairy Products

People with swallowing difficulties need healthy foods that provide a broad range of nutrients. Dairy products are easy to swallow and provide important nutrients that dysphagia patients need. Patients can choose dairy pudding, milk, smoothies, milkshakes, yogurt, and other relatively thick dairy products unlikely to cause choking hazards.

Besides, people with swallowing difficulties can consume soft cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. These cheeses are easy to swallow and a healthy source of protein, minerals, energy, and fat. Patients can also use sour cream as a topping for different soft dishes.

Soft Vegetables and Fruits

Fruits and vegetables made it to this list because they are easy to swallow and are unlikely to cause pain or discomfort. They provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which enhance digestion. However, not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for people with dysphagia. Dietitians and medical professionals recommend avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, and cooked carrots.

Caregivers should learn how to prepare the fruits and vegetables to create a consistent texture and thickness for easy swallowing. They should study their patient’s dietary needs and personal preferences to adjust their diet.

Grains

Including grains in this list will probably raise eyebrows. However, some grains are soft and easily digestible, and incorporating them into the diet can add nutrients and fiber needed by dysphagia patients, especially seniors. So, people with dysphagia and their families should consider cereals like cream of wheat, oatmeal, porridge, rice cereals, and cornflakes. These products moisten easily in milk, making it easier to swallow. Seniors with swallowing problems can also eat soft pasta or bread with sauce, gravy, or broth.

Desserts

Seniors with swallowing difficulties have many desserts they can comfortably swallow. So, caregivers can prepare pudding, smoothies, ice cream, custard, jello, sorbet, and mousse. These sweets satisfy their craving without compromising their safety or causing swallowing problems.

Caregivers can help people with dysphagia lead healthy and fulfilling lives by preparing the appropriate foods and drinks. Patients can eat these nutritious foods and beverages without choking or aspiration. However, it is important to consult professionals and consider the patient’s preferences when creating a diet plan.