Most people take eating and drinking for granted. They’re activities we take part in multiple times per day, and we generally give them little extra thought. They’re necessary for our health and survival. In many cases, meals are the centers of family gatherings, special occasions, and social events. They’re a major part of our lives whether they’re simple and casual or elaborate and formal. 

For approximately 590 million people, though, eating and drinking aren’t quite so straightforward. Those people suffer from dysphagia, or swallowing disorders. These conditions make the seemingly simple acts of drinking and eating much more complicated, less enjoyable, and even dangerous. If you’re caring for a loved one with a swallowing disorder, keep the following key safety tips in mind to reduce the potential risks and make eating and drinking more pleasant for them.

Serve Dysphagia-Friendly Beverages and Foods

One of the most important safety measures for dysphagia patients is serving foods and beverages that are safer and easier for them to consume. Thin liquids, like beverages, soups, and broths, should be thickened to give your loved one more control over them and reduce the risks of aspiration. SimplyThick recipes for dysphagia patients can be immensely helpful in this regard. 

Solid foods need to be easier to chew and swallow as well. It’s best to serve soft foods when possible, such as grits, yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and thoroughly cooked vegetables. Dice, mince, or puree meats, and moisten breads. Those measures will help prevent choking and make eating less exhausting for your loved one. At the same time, try to avoid serving hot or cold foods and beverages as both extremes can trigger some swallowing difficulties. 

Eating Position and Techniques

Maintaining the right position while eating is another way to help dysphagia patients. Be sure your loved one sits upright with their head, neck, and back aligned during mealtime and when drinking. Using pillows for support can make this a bit easier, and try to have your loved one remain upright for about half an hour after eating. Many people find that tucking their chin slightly toward their chest is helpful as well. 

It’s often best for dysphagia sufferers to take small bites and eat slowly, concentrating on thoroughly chewing foods with each bite. Serving multiple smaller meals throughout the day is generally recommended over the conventional three large meals. Several swallowing techniques have been developed to help with different types of swallowing difficulties. Your loved one’s physician and speech-language pathologist can help you find the techniques that work best for them. 

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Finally, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies, like choking and aspiration. Be aware of the symptoms of choking, which are being unable to cough to clear the airway and being unable to breathe or speak. Know the universal sign for choking, and consider learning the Heimlich maneuver. Understand the signs of aspiration as well, including coughing and gurgling. Aspiration can lead to infections, so keep an eye out for fevers and chest congestion too. 

Keeping Your Loved One Safe

Dysphagia can greatly detract from a person’s ability to enjoy meals. It can even make eating and drinking dangerous. If you’re taking care of a loved one who suffers from a swallowing disorder, keeping the potential dangers at bay is crucial. Keep the points mentioned here in mind to help protect your loved one while also making mealtimes as enjoyable for them as possible.