What Is IDDSI Training and Why Does It Matter?
Safe mealtimes happen because staff understand how to prepare food and drinks correctly. That’s where IDDSI training becomes essential. When everyone follows the same standard, residents can eat and drink safely with confidence and dignity.
What Is IDDSI?
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is a global framework that gives aged-care teams a clear, consistent way to describe food textures and drink thickness levels.
IDDSI levels range from Level 0 (Thin Fluids) to Level 7 (Regular Foods), and provide a universal language so chefs, carers, nurses, speech pathologists and families all prepare the same safe texture — reducing confusion and risk.
IDDSI training teaches staff how to:
- Understand each IDDSI level
- Use simple testing methods (fork test, spoon tilt test, flow test)
- Prepare and modify foods and fluids safely
- Recognise when residents may be unsafe with a texture
- Support residents with dysphagia confidently and respectfully
When training is done well, it prevents choking, improves nutrition, and builds a shared culture of safety.
Common Signs That IDDSI Training Is Needed
Mealtime Red Flags for Staff
You may notice:
- Residents coughing on thin fluids
- Confusion among staff about what each texture level means
- Food consistency appearing different depending on who prepared it
- Residents avoiding meals or losing interest in food
- Frequent requests to re-blend meals
- Staff relying on guesswork rather than IDDSI tests
Safety Red Flags For residents
- Recurrent chest infections
- Long mealtimes or fatigue during eating
- Wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Difficulty chewing or coordinating movements
- Residents “not looking quite right” during meals
These signs often mean residents are receiving textures that don’t match their swallowing needs.
Why Swallowing Problems is common in Aged Care
Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) is common in older adults due to:
- Age-related muscle weakness
- Parkinson’s disease, stroke or dementia
- Poor dentition or missing teeth
- Medication side effects (dry mouth, drowsiness)
- Fatigue, illness or reduced alertness
When swallowing becomes harder, residents rely heavily on staff to prepare exactly the right texture. IDDSI training ensures that every team member — not just the chef or speech pathologist — knows how to support safe swallowing.
Practical Things Carers Can Do Straight Away
Even before completing IDDSI training, carers can support safer mealtimes by:
- Sitting residents fully upright during meals
- Encouraging slow pacing and small mouthfuls
- Reducing distractions and noise during eating
- Not mixing food textures unless recommended
- Checking oral hygiene before and after meals
- Using the IDDSI testing tools provided by your facility
- Reporting small changes in swallowing early
Consistency saves lives. Small adjustments create safer, calmer mealtimes for everyone.
When to Seek Help From a Speech Pathologist
It’s time to request a swallowing assessment if staff notice:
- Choking, coughing or throat clearing during meals
- Recurrent chest infections
- Difficulty with specific textures (e.g. thin fluids, chewy meats)
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
- Residents preferring only soft or pureed foods
- Sudden changes after illness, hospitalisation or medication changes
Speech pathologists assess swallowing, identify risks, and recommend the correct IDDSI level for each person.
How Swallowing & Dysphagia Support Helps
Our training is practical, hands-on and tailored to your facility. Staff learn how to:
- Understand every IDDSI level
- Use testing tools (flow test, fork-drip test, spoon tilt)
- Prepare consistent, safe meals
- Follow mealtime safety strategies
- Support residents with dignity and confidence
On-site or Online Options
We offer flexible training formats to suit rosters and staffing levels, including:
- On-site workshops
- Online modules
- Refresher sessions
- Kitchen-specific training for chefs
We can also provide:
- Swallowing assessments
- Mealtime management plans
- Menu reviews
- Staff competency checks
Our goal is to help your team feel skilled, confident and supported.
Ready to build safer mealtimes for your residents?
Learn more or enquire about IDDSI training at:
