It doesn’t matter if it’s you or someone in your family. But struggling with swallowing affects everyone in the family.
Dysphagia touches so many lives, and while it might seem oh so challenging at first, you can bring comfort and safety to their routine with some thoughtful strategies.
Getting the Hang of Thickened Liquids and Food Textures
Chances are, your loved one’s speech therapist or doctor has suggested thickening drinks to a certain consistency. Products like nectar packets from SimplyThick can be a game-changer here. These little packets take the guesswork out of getting the texture just right, every single time.
What’s great about these packets is how easy they are to use. Rip one open, mix it into a drink, and give it a moment to thicken up. Keep a stash in your kitchen, bag, or even at work so your loved one can have properly thickened drinks wherever they are, without lugging around big containers.
Setting Up a Safe Space for Meals
The vibe during meals makes a bigger difference than you might think. Pick a calm, quiet spot—skip the TV or loud chatter. Your loved one needs to focus on swallowing without distractions.
Make sure the lighting’s good so they can see their plate clearly. Keep them sitting upright at a 90-degree angle, never leaning back while eating. If they’re in bed, prop them up with pillows. Stay close by during meals, but don’t hover or rush them—it’s about giving them space to eat safely.
Planning Meals and Preparing Food
A little planning goes a long way to ease mealtime stress. Keep a list of foods and textures that their healthcare team approves. Stock up on soft, easy-to-swallow options like:
- Creamy yogurts or puddings
- Well-cooked pasta with sauce
- Tender ground meats
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Smooth, thickened soups
Steer clear of mixed textures that can be tricky to swallow, like chunky soups, cereal with milk, or salads with lots of different ingredients—these can increase the risk of choking.
Keeping Hydration on Track
Staying hydrated is tougher with dysphagia, but it’s so important. If your loved one needs thickened liquids, make them fun by mixing it up with thickened fruit juices, flavored waters, or even thickened coffee to keep things enjoyable.
Set gentle reminders for drinking breaks throughout the day. Small sips spread out work better than chugging a big glass. Pay attention to temperature, too—drinks that are too hot or too cold can make swallowing harder.
Spotting Trouble Signs
You’ll start to notice the little cues that something’s off. Keep an eye out for coughing during or after meals, a gurgly voice after swallowing, or food left in their mouth when they think they’re done.
If they’re clearing their throat a lot, avoiding foods they used to love, or saying food feels stuck, those are warning signs. Don’t brush them off or hope they’ll go away on their own.
Partnering with Their Healthcare Team
Stay in touch with your loved one’s swallowing specialist. Jot down notes in a food diary about what’s working, what’s tough, or any changes in their appetite. This helps the team tweak their advice as things evolve.
Be bold at appointments, asking any and all questions you might have. When you realize the reasons behind the restricted foods, it’s easier to make educated daily choices and explain them to your loved one.
Supporting someone with dysphagia is a journey, and you’ll find your rhythm with time. Be patient with them—and yourself—as you figure it out. Your steady care makes their days safer and more comfortable, and that’s what matters most.
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