What to Do When an Older Adult Has Difficulty Swallowing

Dysphagia is a condition that makes swallowing difficult. It can cause discomfort, coughing, or choking, and may feel like something is stuck in the throat. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, , malnutrition, dehydration, or choking.

Signs of Dysphagia

Recognizing dysphagia early is crucial for preventing complications. Watch for these signs in your loved one (this is not a comprehensive list):

• Pain when swallowing

• Avoiding certain foods, liquids, or medications

• Food or liquid coming out of the nose when swallowing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Teary eyes or a runny nose during or after eating

• Avoiding meals in social settings

• Frequent throat clearing

• A wet, gurgly-sounding voice when eating or drinking

• Shortness of breath while swallowing

• Drooling during meals

• Regurgitation of food or liquid through the throat, mouth, or nose

Causes of Dysphagia

Swallowing may seem simple, but it requires coordination of multiple muscles and nerves in the mouth and throat. Dysphagia occurs when these functions are impaired. Some conditions that affect the nerves and muscles involved in swallowing include:

• Dementia

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Cerebral Palsy

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Cricopharyngeal Spasms
  

Other causes include physical obstructions or narrowing of the esophagus due to:

• Esophageal cancer

• Esophageal diverticulum
  

Although dysphagia is not a normal part of aging, the risk increases with age, especially in individuals over 80.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Medication
  

• Dietary Modifications  (e.g., "softened, pureed, or thickened liquids")
  

• In severe cases, Feeding Tubes or Procedures
  

• Therapy: Working with a speech therapist to improve or restore swallowing ability. People with dementia who forget how to swallow can be retaught through therapy.

How Caregivers Can Help

Experts from Upstate University Hospital and UCLA offer the following advice to care for a loved one that has a hard time that shows signs or has Dysphagia: 1. Monitor for Symptoms

Pay close attention to changes in appetite and eating habits. If your loved one is struggling to eat or drink, consult a doctor. Encourage open communication about any discomfort they may be experiencing. 2. Adjust Meal Sizes and Frequency

If large meals are difficult to manage, serve smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead. 3. Encourage Proper Eating Posture Avoid feeding someone while they are lying down. Ensure they sit upright during meals to prevent food or liquids from entering the windpipe. 4. Modify Food and Liquid Consistency

Pureed foods or soft-textured meals can make swallowing easier. Consult a doctor or dietitian for guidance on safe meal preparation while maintaining nutritional balance

5. Keep a Food and Hydration Journal

Record what and how much your loved one eats and drinks. This helps track nutritional intake and prevents dehydration.

6. Assist with Medication Intake

If swallowing pills is difficult, ask a doctor if they can be crushed, cut into smaller pieces, or substituted with a liquid, powder, or cream form.

Caring for an older adult with dysphagia requires patience and adaptation, but with the right approach, you can help them eat and drink safely while maintaining their health and quality of life.

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This article is brought to you by Elder Love USA, a leading nonprofit provider of home care services in Riverside County, CA, San Diego County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, Orange County, CA, Imperial County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.

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