Eating and drinking are about much more than nutrition. Mealtimes can provide enjoyment, independence, cultural connection and opportunities to spend time with others. For a person with swallowing difficulties, however, eating and drinking may also require careful assessment, preparation and support.

Effective dysphagia management depends on more than placing a person on a modified diet. Staff need to understand the person’s individual recommendations, prepare food and drinks correctly, follow the relevant mealtime management plan and recognise when further professional advice may be required.

This is where high-quality IDDSI training can strengthen practice across aged care homes, disability services and Supported Independent Living environments.

What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. A swallowing difficulty can affect how safely or efficiently someone manages food, drinks, saliva or medication.

Possible signs of swallowing difficulty may include:

• coughing during or after eating and drinking;

• a wet or gurgly-sounding voice after swallowing;

• food or drink remaining in the mouth;

• difficulty chewing or managing particular textures;

• unusually long or tiring mealtimes;

• distress, discomfort or reluctance around eating;

• changes in breathing during or following a meal; and

• unexplained changes in food or fluid intake.

These signs do not provide a diagnosis by themselves. New or changing swallowing concerns should be referred to an appropriately qualified health professional.

Dysphagia management should remain individualised. Two people with similar diagnoses may have very different swallowing abilities, preferences, support requirements and goals.

Our dysphagia education and IDDSI training help your staffs build confidence and skills to support residents or clients living with dysphagia:

• Understanding dysphagia
  What it is, why it happens, and how it impacts safety, health, and quality of life.

• Recognising signs of swallowing difficulty
  Coughing, changes in voice, fatigue during meals, and other red flags staff should never ignore.

• Safe swallowing strategies
  Positioning, pacing, prompting, and environmental setup to reduce choking and aspiration risks.

• Understanding IDDSI levels in practice
  An introduction to food texture and drink thickness standards, with demonstrations of testing methods.

• Responding to incidents
  What to do if a resident coughs, chokes, or struggles to swallow.

• Team approach to mealtimes
  How carers, nurses, and kitchen staff can work together to make mealtimes safer and more enjoyable.

Who is it for:

Aged care homes, disability group homes and SIL providers, Home Care Package clients, NDIS participants, and families supporting someone at home.

What you receive:

• Training attendance and records

• Easy-to-follow guides on recognising signs of swallowing difficulty

• Practical strategies your team can use during mealtimes

Outcomes:

• Increased staff confidence in supporting residents and clients with dysphagia

• Safer mealtimes with reduced choking and aspiration risks

• Improved quality of life and dignity for residents and clients

Together, let’s create the safe swallowing support:

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