It is estimated that up to 75% of residents in nursing/ care homes in the UK have varying degrees of dysphagia.

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can't swallow at all. If not treated properly, Dysphagia can result in:

• Choking
• Pneumonia
• Chest infections
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss

As well as serious medical complications, dysphagia can also lead to a poorer quality of life for the individual and their family. This may be due to embarrassment and lack of enjoyment of food, which can have profound social consequences. Many of these instances can be avoided if dysphagia is treated timely and appropriately.

This compact course will give you a better awareness of Dysphagia, its causes, risk factors and how to care for those living with Dysphagia.

Who is this course for?

This Dysphagia course is aimed at workers that provide treatment or are responsible for supporting individuals with drinking, eating and swallowing disorders. This could include: -

• Nurses
• Dietitians
• Carers
• Support workers
• Healthcare assistants  
• Dysphagia practitioners
• Speech and Language Therapists

Course Content

• Impact of Dysphagia on health
• Impact of Dysphagia on a person
• Three stages of swallowing
• Commons causes of reduced swallow reflex
• Neurological conditions
• Congenital conditions
• Muscular conditions
• Other common causes
• The immediate signs and symptoms of Dysphagia
• Longer term signs and symptoms of Dysphagia
• How Dysphagia is diagnosed and treated
• How to support someone with Dysphagia via care planning and practical assistance
• What the IDDSI framework is
• What Aspirational Pneumonia is
• The signs of acute and long-term aspiration

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, candidates will be able to:

• Recognise common causes
• Spot the signs and symptoms
• Identify those that are at a higher risk of having dysphagia.
• Understand the complications which can arise from Dysphagia
• Support someone with Dysphagia via care planning and practical assistance
• Describe the range of strategies that may help and support a person who has dysphagia, including diet, oral hygiene, taking medications and assistance with eating