Safe Swallowing Strategies for Care Home Residents with Dysphagia

Dysphagia impacts around 70% of residents in care homes, leading to higher morbidity and hospitalizations. While speech and language therapists provide initial guidance for safe nutrition, ongoing support is limited. This study suggests that care homes should emphasise a culture of safe swallowing, ensuring residents with swallowing difficulties receive the assistance that enhances their mealtime experience and reduces adverse events that could lead to hospitalisation. Speech and language therapists could contribute significantly by training and supporting care home staff in implementing safe swallowing strategies for residents with dysphagia.