Archives

Tabletop Dysphagia Cue Cards

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
These handy dysphagia cue cards are designed to be discretely placed at dining tables to remind patients of dysphagia precautions. The cue cards feature a graphic of swallow anatomy/physiology and have blank spaces for SLPs to include specific personalized swallow strategies.
This content is only available to members.

Swallow Therapy for Anterior Spillage

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Anterior spillage can be an embarrassing reality for people experiencing reduced labial seal. This handout describes the anatomy and physiology of the orbicularis oris and outlines exercises and strategies to address this impairment.
This content is only available to members.

Swallow Exercises Tracking Sheet

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Swallow exercise tracking sheet. Write the name of the exercise + instructions. Patients can use squares to cross off exercise repetitions.
This content is only available to members.

Swallow Initiation

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Just how exactly is the swallow triggered? This handout describes the oral and pharyngeal sequences involved in a successful swallow. Also discusses swallow delay as well as how speech therapy can improve swallow initiation and reduce the risk of dysphagia and associated aspiration.
This content is only available to members.

Swallow Strategies Decision Tree

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This guide augments clinical decision making with a pathway for which swallow strategies to choose based on clinical observation. While this is not a black and white answer key to the many unique cases of dysphagia, it is a starting point to consider when working through each case.
This content is only available to members.

Summertime Recipes for People with Dysphagia

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Returning home from rehabilitation with new orders for supplemental oxygen can be difficult. This is a complex challenge for new learning because it is medical management training, but also addresses safety awareness, balance, and dexterity. This resource describes the operation of a concentrator and portable oxygen tank for patient training, and addresses the management of oxygen tubing during mobility for practice during a therapy session. 
This content is only available to members.

Straws and Dysphagia

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
People may not consider how complex swallowing with a straw can be and how many muscles need to be coordinated for swallowing to be safe. This handout provides education to the patient and care partners about the steps required to swallow safely with a straw.
This content is only available to members.

SLP Role in the Esophageal Stage of Swallowing

January 6, 2022 by Megan Berg.
What exactly is our role when it comes to esophageal dysfunction? This material describes the SLP’s role in screening for/being a part of a multidisciplinary team to treat esophageal dysphagia. Includes a handy reference chart for comparing and contrasting the symptoms of each etiology of dysphagia.
This content is only available to members.

Silent or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

January 6, 2022 by Megan Berg.
A person may be experiencing silent reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) if they continue to have a bitter taste in their throat but do not have a chest burning sensation. A specialized ear, nose, and throat doctor diagnose and treats LPR. This handout briefly explains the symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments that may be recommended by the doctor.
This content is only available to members.

Sarcopenic Dysphagia

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Sarcopenic dysphagia is often underestimated and under-diagnosed within the elderly population. A multidisciplinary team is necessary to diagnose and treat sarcopenia and sarcopenic dysphagia. This handout provides more information about how to manage this disorder.
This content is only available to members.