IDDSI Training Essentials for Safer Swallowing
Every aged-care team wants residents to enjoy meals safely — but without a shared system, even well-meaning staff can prepare textures differently. That’s where IDDSI training becomes so important. It gives everyone the same foundation to prepare, test, and serve meals that genuinely support safer swallowing.
In aged care, many residents rely on texture-modified diets or thickened fluids to reduce their risk of choking or aspiration. But terms like “soft,” “blended,” or “runny puree” mean different things to different people.
The IDDSI framework removes this confusion by providing:
- Standardised testing methods
- Descriptions anyone can follow
IDDSI training ensures your whole team — chefs, carers, nursing staff, and support workers — all prepare food and drinks the same way, every time.
It’s not just about compliance.
It’s about safety, confidence, and respect for residents who depend on you.
Common Signs & Red Flags
Look out for:
- Grimacing, wincing, or “working hard” to swallow
- Choosing certain foods but pushing away others
- Needing extra time to finish a meal
- Frequent throat-clearing, even if mild
- Holding food in the mouth
Signs that your facility may benefit from IDDSI training
These signs show a facility may benefit from IDDSI training:
- Food textures changing from morning to afternoon shift
- Drinks appearing different thicknesses
- Staff unsure about how to measure thickness
- Kitchen staff unclear on IDDSI testing tools
- Requests for “puree” or “thickened drink” with no level specified
These inconsistencies increase risk — but are our IDDSI training can help you understand what is IDDSI and prepare foods and drinks in a way that is suitable for your residents.
Why Swallowing Difficulties Happen
Swallowing isn’t just chewing and swallowing, it’s a coordinated system involving:
- Strength
- Sensation
- Breathing control
- Timing
- Posture
- Dental health
In aged care, these systems are often affected by:
- Hospital stays
- Fatigue and low alertness
- Dementia progression
- Dental changes
- Medication adjustments
- Chronic illness
This means swallowing can change quickly — sometimes day-to-day.
IDDSI training helps staff recognise these subtle changes early so they can respond safely.
What Families and Carers Can Practically Do
Here are simple, practical steps that support swallowing safety:
- Check the resident’s posture before offering food
- Ensure dentures fit well and are clean
- Offer breaks during the meal to avoid fatigue
- Serve meals unhurried — rushing increases risk
- Use consistent utensil size (some residents struggle with large spoons)
- Introduce fluids before meals to reduce dryness
- Confirm the resident’s current IDDSI level
These strategies help maintain dignity and reduce anxiety around meals.
When to seek help for swallowing assessment?
You should request a swallowing assessment when you see:
- Recurrent fevers or chest infections
- Sudden change in eating pattern
- Food or fluid leaking from the mouth
- Repeated difficulty with thin fluids
- Residents “zoning out” during meals
- Noticeable weight changes
- Coughing hours after a meal
These symptoms may indicate dysphagia and require assessment from a speech pathologist.
We provide training for all departments
We tailor sessions for:
- Care staff
- Kitchen teams
- RNs
- Lifestyle staff
- New staff during onboarding
If you’d like to improve confidence and safety in your facility, learn more about our IDDSI training programs here:
https://www.swallowinganddysphagiasupport.com.au/iddsi-training
