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 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.
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.
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.
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.
When working with a patient with dementia, the way a task like self feeding is presented can set the tone for the level of participation. This handout offers caregivers simple techniques for set up, proper positioning, and orientation to task that can improve carryover of OT interventions to maximize independence.
This quick reference guide is packed with statistics meant to arm you with information needed to establish a complete picture of a patient struggling with both dysphagia and reflux.
Being on a pureed diet can be an isolating, degrading, depressing situation. This calls for creativity! There are so many ways to add flavor to mashed potatoes- make it a dessert, make it spicy, make it Thai, Indian, Mexican cuisine… there are no limits! Here are 27 ideas to get kitchen staff, patients, and families inspired.