How Care Homes Support Dementia Residents Living With Dysphagia

It is frequently caused by dementia because it stems from brain damage that disrupts the complex, coordinated muscles and nerves required for chewing and swallowing. As dementia progresses in your loved one, dysphagia can become more common, with difficulties including chewing continuously or holding food in their mouth.

At The Bill House, we understand the importance of supporting brain health through nutrition, which may seem difficult if your loved one has difficulty swallowing. Our specialist dementia care supports families in navigating care with confidence to ensure your loved one’s care needs during the different stages of dementia, especially if they live with dysphagia, are met.

Symptoms of dysphagia

The symptoms of dysphagia can differ from person to person, but there are often some common signs which suggest your loved one is having difficulty swallowing, and they include:

• Coughing, which can increase confusion or agitation in dementia residents which can cause distress during meals, increase fatigue and make your loved one avoid eating and drinking due to discomfort.
• Choking, since dementia residents may forget to chew properly or struggle to recognise food in their mouth, which makes them fearful of eating and can increase social isolation if eating with others becomes embarrassing or unsafe.
• Food pocketing, which occurs when someone forgets to swallow or loses awareness of food in the mouth and can lead to an increased risk of choking later, cause poor oral hygiene and mouth infections and inadequate nutrition.

If these symptoms are not recognised and treated, dysphagia can lead to weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration.

How care homes can manage dysphagia

An important aspect of increasing quality of life with specialist dementia care includes managing dysphagia. This can ensure your loved one living with dementia is comfortable but is still receiving nutrients to maintain their mental health and wellbeing.

Altering food texture

Changing the texture of food and drinks makes them easier and safer to swallow.

Providing soft or mashed foods, pureed meals and thickened fluids can help reduce the risk of choking by helping the person swallow more effectively and increase comfort and confidence during meals.

We cater to clients at The Bill House using specialist diets, including reforming mashed food into the visual representation of the actual food, ensuring that the experience of eating is enjoyable and familiar, as well as safe.

Improving posture

Correct positioning during eating and drinking, like sitting upright at about 90 degrees and keeping the head slightly forward, supports safer swallowing.

This reduces the chances of food entering the airway, makes eating less tiring and supports overall better digestion and comfort.

Ensuring proper oral care

Good mouth care is crucial for residents with dysphagia because it reduces bacteria in the mouth, prevents discomfort and infections and helps residents enjoy food better.

Carers can support residents with brushing teeth and gums regularly, cleaning dentures properly and removing leftover food from the mouth.

Reducing mealtime distractions

A calm and quiet environment helps dementia residents focus on eating and swallowing.

Turning off the television, limiting unnecessary conversation and serving meals in a calm setting can improve concentration on chewing and swallowing, reduce confusion and agitation and encourage slower, safer eating.

This can become an important part of a mealtime routine for dementia residents.

Ideal food types for dementia residents suffering from dysphagia

If your loved one is living with dysphagia because of dementia, there are certain foods which can be prepared in a safe way for them to consume, to ensure adequate nutrition.

These foods can include:

• Proteins: scrambled or poached egg, ground or minced meat, soft fish and well-cooked lentils or beans
• Fruits and vegetables: mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and ripe fruits
• Grains and starches: porridge and soaked cereals
• Dairy and desserts: yoghurt, custard, smoothies and ice cream

One of the benefits of residential care is ensuring that these types of foods are served correctly to your loved one living with dysphagia, maintaining their nutrition and comfort while eating.

The Bill House provides specialist dementia care

Supporting your loved one living with dysphagia because of dementia can be difficult and extremely worrying. Specialist dementia care can relieve some of the pressure whilst ensuring your loved one receives the support they deserve during this difficult time.

At The Bill House, we support independence for residents whilst making sure they get the specialist dementia care they require. Contact us to find out what to expect when moving into our care home and discuss your loved one’s needs.