Severe Dysphagia Management

We provide several services to manage severe dysphagia.

Modified food textures – Individuals may require soft, minced, or pureed meals prepared according to the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework.

Thickened fluids – Drinks must be adjusted to the appropriate consistency (e.g. mildly thick, moderately thick) to prevent aspiration.

Enteral feeding (PEG/PEJ tubes) – Nutrition and hydration are delivered directly into the stomach or jejunum when oral intake is unsafe or not possible.

Aspiration risk management – Ongoing monitoring is required to prevent food or fluid from entering the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Positioning for meals – Proper body alignment during and after meals is essential to reduce choking and aspiration risk.

Swallowing rehabilitation support – Individuals may need support from speech pathologists for exercises or strategies to maintain or improve swallow function.

Behavioural and cognitive support during meals – Some individuals may require additional supervision and cues due to memory, attention, or behavioural challenges.

Choking incident risk monitoring – People with severe dysphagia must be observed closely during eating and drinking to detect signs of distress.

Medication swallowing difficulties – Tablets and capsules may need to be crushed, given in liquid form, or administered via feeding tube if safe and approved.

Non-oral symptom management – Where eating and drinking are limited or not possible, comfort, hydration, and oral care remain crucial.