Managing the ladies and gents you support with Dysphagia and ensuring that they maximise on...
We’ve recently been asked by a large national group of care homes to provide a range of dignified cups without spouts which are suitable for the people they support living with Dysphagia to drink safely.
This is because SALT, ( Speech and Language Therapists) are recommending the use of non-spout cups and beakers.
So we wanted to share this information, the reasons why SALT make this recommendation and some, hopefully, valuable resources we’ve created to help promote safe and independent drinking for the people you support with Dysphagia.
So why do Speech and language therapists advise against the use of spouts on cups for people with dysphagia?
1. You might think that drinking through a straw or a cup with a spout would be easier. However, spouted beakers may cause the person to tilt their head back and lead to fluid flowing into the throat before they are ready to swallow.
So, using straws or spouts when drinking may increase the risk of liquid going down the wrong way into the windpipe or lungs.
1. Because people with dysphagia may have difficulty coordinating their swallowing and breathing, spouts can make it harder for them to manage the flow of liquid into their mouths, which can increase the risk of choking or aspiration (when liquid or food enters the lungs).
2. Reduced sensory input - reduced sensation in the mouth, can make it harder for people to detect when liquid is entering their mouth. This can also increase the risk of choking or aspiration.
3. Alternative options: Speech and language therapists may recommend alternative drinking options, such as thickened liquids, specialized cups or straws, or strategies such as chin tucks or head positioning to help improve swallowing function. These alternatives may be more appropriate for people with dysphagia than using a spout on a cup.
The key to maintaining hydration for people with Dysphagia is to promote safe swallowing and to ensure that the fluids are of the appropriate texture and thickness.
Advice on safer swallowing for improved hydration
- Ensure your resident is always sitting upright at 90 degrees when drinking.
- Do not give them drinks when slouched or lying down
- Encourage small sips of fluid and discourage gulping
- Make sure they have swallowed a drink before taking more in
- Prevent people from using drinks to wash down food.
Other strategies to help improve hydration include:
- Thickening fluids for safer swallowing
- Correct positioning
- Drinking smaller quantities with each sip:
- Investing in specialist Dysphagia drinking devices
Thickened Fluids
One way of helping patients with swallowing problems to take fluids without aspirating is to consume liquid of a thicker consistency. A speech therapist can give advice about thickened fluids. Fluid can be thickened artificially with powder or bought pre-thickened.
Positioning
The adopted position for drinking can also effect swallowing. A study showed that: “The chin down posture can have a positive effect on swallowing safety and reduce the incidence of aspiration and depth of penetration, in the context of cup drinking with thin liquids.” – Fraser (2012)
Drinking Smaller Quantities With Each Sip
Sometimes residents with learning difficulties or Dementia may gulp fluid too quickly, risking aspiration. It is possible that limiting the amount of fluid consumed with each swallow can also make swallowing safer.
Choosing Specialist Dysphagia Drinking Devices For Safer Hydration
We provide a range of drinking devices which restrict the volume of fluid delivered and allow safer independent drinking for people living with Dysphagia.
You can view them here:
This is part of our wider range of solutions we offer to help manage Dysphagia safely - a new page on our website, dedicated to Managing Dysphagia and providing a range of #fitforpurpose product solutions to help you solve your challenges and improve quality of life and wellbeing for people living with dysphagia.
- Safe drinking solutions
- Solutions to prevent choking
- Improving quality and appearance of pureed meals
- Solutions to keeping meals warmer for longer
- Solutions to provide safer oral care
- Solutions to stimulate taste and smell
Image source: Canva photos
