How Dysphagia Training May Help Reduce Choking Risks?

Choking is one of the most preventable risks in aged care and disability group homes, yet it remains a major safety concern. Many choking incidents happen not because staff are careless, but because they simply have not been given clear, practical training about swallowing safety. Effective dysphagia training helps teams understand how to manage risks, support residents confidently, and follow safe mealtime practices that align with clinical guidelines.

When staff know what to look for — and what to do — choking risks can be dramatically reduced.

What Dysphagia Is and Why It Matters

Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It affects a person’s ability to move food or drink from their mouth to their stomach safely. In aged care and disability homes, dysphagia is common due to ageing, neurological conditions, muscle weakness, reduced alertness, and cognitive changes.

Without the right knowledge, even small mistakes — such as offering the wrong texture, rushing mealtimes, or not recognising subtle signs — can increase choking risk.

This is why dysphagia training is essential for all staff who assist with meals, not just nursing or clinical leads.

Why Choking Happens in Aged Care and Disability Settings

1. Incorrect food textures

A resident requiring soft or minced textures may accidentally be given normal food.

2. Fatigue or reduced alertness

Common around medication times, early mornings, or evenings.

3. Poor posture during meals

Not sitting up right can increase aspiration and choking risk

4. Rushing mealtimes

Staff shortages, busy routines, or lack of awareness can lead to unsafe feeding.

5. Lack of consistent documentation

If a mealtime plan is unclear, missing, or outdated, staff cannot follow correct instructions. It is important to have clear documentation for mealtime management.

6. Offering foods the resident cannot safely manage

For example, when a person with dysphagia is prescribed to be on Level 3 moderately thick drinks, and level 5 minced and moist diet, they should not be given bread, or non-thickened tap water.

7. Lack of staff confidence

Support workers may hesitate, panic, or feel unsure without clear guidance.

Dysphagia training addresses each of these risks directly with practical strategies that staff can apply immediately.

How Dysphagia Training Reduces Choking Risks

Effective training provides staff with the knowledge and skills to:

1. Follow IDDSI texture levels correctly

Staff learn how to identify the correct levels (e.g. level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized, level 5 Minced & Moist, level 4 Puree, and different levels of Thickened fluids) and understand why each level matters.

2. Recognise early warning signs

Catching subtle symptoms early prevents escalation.

3. Support safe feeding techniques

Such as pacing, portion size, positioning, and safe supervision.

4. Create consistent, safe mealtime routines

When all staff follow the same clear process, errors decrease significantly.

5. Understand the resident’s mealtime plan

Training shows staff how to read and follow the plan safely.

6. Know what to do if choking occurs

Confidence saves lives. Staff learn the correct response steps without panic.

7. Communicate concerns quickly

Training builds a culture of reporting and proactive safety.

How Swallowing & Dysphagia Support Helps

At Swallowing & Dysphagia Support, we provide dysphagia training that is clear, practical, and tailored for aged-care and disability staff.

Training includes:

- Understanding dysphagia and choking risk

- Recognising early warning signs

- IDDSI level training and practical examples

- Safe feeding techniques

- Mealtime routines that reduce risk

- Resident-specific strategies

- How to read and follow mealtime plans

- When and how to escalate concerns

Our sessions are delivered by a qualified speech pathologist with experience supporting aged-care teams across Sydney. Staff finish training feeling confident, supported, and prepared.

If your team needs support with safe swallowing practices, it may be time to consider dysphagia training for your facility.

Learn more here: Safe Swallowing Education