Difficulty swallowing, a condition also referred to as dysphagia, affects nearly 15% of older adults. Is your elderly loved one having a hard time eating? If so, the information and tips in this guide will help you prepare for it.
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Dysphagia Symptoms
It’s not always easy to tell when someone suffers from swallowing difficulties. While choking on food and water is the most obvious symptom, other signs are more subtle. These are the most common indications of dysphagia:
- A thick, gurgling voice after eating or drinking
- Taking too long to finish meals
- Drooling
- Weight loss due to reduced food and liquid intake
If you see one or more of these symptoms, your loved one may have dysphagia. See these pics posted by SimplyThick to learn how our products can decrease choking risk and minimize discomfort.
Why Do Seniors Get Dysphagia?
Why is it so hard for seniors to swallow? Dysphagia in seniors has several potential causes, including:
- Poorly fitted dentures
- Subpar oral health
- Stroke
- Medicine side effects
- Dementia and other cognitive disorders
- Cancer of the esophagus, mouth, or throat
In some cases, dysphagia is an indicator of normal aging. As we age, we lose strength in our throat and mouth muscles, which may lead to swallowing problems.
When a Loved One is Diagnosed With Dysphagia
If you believe your senior loved one suffers from swallowing difficulties, they should see a doctor as soon as possible. Physicians use several techniques to diagnose dysphagia, such as:
- Swallowing tests using x-rays, contrast solutions, and liquids of varying thicknesses
- Esophageal exams
- Endoscopy
- Muscle function tests
When applied correctly, these techniques help doctors determine the extent and cause of dysphagia.
Dysphagia Treatment
If your loved one has dysphagia, these tips can help you treat and manage the condition.
- Administering medications properly: Seniors with swallowing difficulties shouldn’t take pills with water, as it increases choking risk. Instead, give them medicines with thickened liquids, applesauce, or pudding.
- Ensuring adequate hydration: It’s easy for older adults with dysphagia to become dehydrated. If they cannot drink water without choking, they may not drink anything else. Thicken their drinks to make them easier and safer to swallow.
- Avoiding straws: Don’t give someone with dysphagia liquids with a straw, as it increases consumption rate and choking risk.
Along with the abovementioned changes, you’ll also need to switch up dietary offerings. Seniors with dysphagia should eat soft, easy-to-swallow, and nutrient-dense foods like pureed vegetables, peanut butter, yogurt, thickened soup, and pudding. Adding these items to your loved one’s diet will help them avoid nutritional deficiencies and maintain a healthy weight.
Dysphagia Therapy
Some seniors can benefit from treatment for dysphagia, especially if it’s caused by a medical condition. Specialists can minimize the severity of swallowing difficulties and help seniors maintain a better quality of life.
Working With Professionals
As shown, families must consider several things when caring for members with dysphagia. If you feel overwhelmed by treatment options and techniques, consider hiring home health aides or moving your senior loved one into an assisted living community. There, they’ll be cared for by professionals, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
While it’s no fun to think about the potential consequences of dysphagia, it’s important to know how to address these problems. By learning about treatment options and preventive measures, families can keep senior members safer, happier, and healthier.
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