Dysphagia Home Care Path LLC

Dysphagia is impaired ability to swallow. Providers look for a documented history (medical chart review) of aspiration (food in lungs), oral motor disorders (drooling, food retention), impaired salivary gland performance, incoordination (postural difficulties), loss of sensation, and significant weight loss . Information such as presence of feeding tube, paralysis, coughing, choking, altered oral motor structure, function, loss of oral sensitivity, chnages in muscle tone, cognitive deficit, unpurposeful positioning, changes in laryngeal function, altered oropharyngeal reflexes, loss of swallow, can indicate need for ongoing diagnostic testing. Providers may monitor by using videofluoroscopy, upper GI series, endoscopy, etc. The senior may have ongoing visits with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Family of the senior with swallow difficulty will be taught feeding and swallowing techiniques, proper head and body positioning, amount of intake per swallow, appropriate diet, way to facilitate the swallow,and food consistency. Seniors with difficulty swallowing will take additional time to complete meals and maintain proper nutrition. Home Care Path LLC http://homecarepath.com staff assist seniors with meals.