Caring for a loved one who’s suffering from medical issues can be a challenge. One of your responsibilities is to ensure they eat well and stay hydrated. If dysphagia is one of the conditions they’re living with, though, that can be a struggle all its own. Swallowing difficulties make eating and drinking problematic and potentially dangerous. They certainly make those experiences less enjoyable for your loved one.
When one of your roles as a caregiver is also one of the aspects that can cause the most problems for a loved one, it can make your job exceedingly difficult. With the right tools and knowledge, though, it can be easier and less uncertain. From thickening agents like Simply Thick to techniques from professionals, several resources are at your disposal.
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Learn All You Can About Dysphagia
One of the best ways to help your loved one and make your job as a caregiver easier is to learn everything you can about dysphagia. Research the condition, its causes, and how it affects your loved one’s ability to swallow properly and safely. Learn about the ways it affects your loved one mentally and emotionally as well. At the same time, read about which foods are safe and which ones should be avoided, how to properly prepare foods for a dysphagia sufferer, and other relevant factors. That knowledge will go a long way toward helping you take the best possible care of your loved one.
Preparation Techniques Matter
When you’re making meals for someone with dysphagia, preparation techniques are essential. Consider chopping foods into smaller bites that are easier for them to manage. You can mash, puree, or blend foods as well to give them a smoother, softer consistency. Any foods that are hard or crunchy, like raw vegetables and fruits, need to be cooked thoroughly before serving them to a dysphagia patient to make them softer.
Poaching, boiling, and cooking foods in a crock pot is a great way to make them softer and more manageable. Adding herbs and spices can give them more flavor so they’re more appealing to your loved one. Adding sauces, gravies, and broths can also make foods easier to swallow and give them extra flavor.
Thickening Agents for Liquids
Liquids are particularly difficult for dysphagia sufferers to manage. Because of that, many avoid beverages as much as possible. As a result, they ultimately suffer from dehydration and the numerous problems that come along with it. Using thickening agents is a safe and effective way to alter the consistency of thin liquids. They make them easier to control in the mouth and throat, which reduces the risk of aspiration. As such, they can help your loved one stay hydrated without worrying about complications.
Pay Attention to Emotional and Mental Wellness
Keep in mind that eating isn’t just about nutrition. As mentioned, it’s often a part of family gatherings and social events. A meal can be an event all its own. Food is often associated with comfort, happiness, and emotional connections. For people who are living with dysphagia, though, it’s a much different experience. Be supportive and patient with your loved one, and encourage them to eat slowly and carefully. Don’t exclude them from food-related events, either. Those measures will help them cope with the emotional and mental effects of the condition.
Supporting a Loved One With Dysphagia
Caring for someone who’s living with dysphagia isn’t easy. It takes patience, practice, and even a bit of trial and error. The advice provided here can help make it a little easier, though. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved one’s doctors or speech-language pathologists for support and more in-depth advice. Be sure to take time to cater to your own health and well-being too.
