Swallowing Assessment
Our qualified Speech Pathologists are experienced in supporting adults and children with swallowing difficulties, more commonly known as 'dysphagia'. We conduct swallowing assessments and provide practical recommendations to support you or your loved one's safety at meals.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing and can occur with food, drinks and/or saliva.
Dysphagia can result from dysfunction at the oral, pharyngeal and/or oesophageal stage of the swallow.
At Mealtime Matters, our Speech Pathologists provide dysphagia assessment and treatment as a mobile service throughout Melbourne.
Signs of Swallowing Difficulty
Do you or your loved one experience the following during mealtimes?
- Coughing when eating or drinking
- Choking on food or drinks
- Wet or gurgly sounding voice during or after eating/drinking
- Difficulty swallowing pills
- Food getting stuck in your throat
- Throat clearing during or after eating/drinking
- Excess saliva and drooling
- Shortness of breath during or after the meal
- Frequent chest infections (aspiration pneumonia)
- Significant weight loss
Swallowing difficulty can result in serious complications, including:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition/Weight loss
- Chest infections as a result of food/drinks entering the airway – called ‘aspiration pneumonia‘
- Reluctance to eat and drink in social settings
- Reduced enjoyment and satisfaction at mealtimes
Swallowing Assessment for Severe Dysphagia
At Mealtime Matters, our Speech Pathologists are highly skilled in supporting NDIS clients who require complex dysphagia management.
We support people with significant difficulty swallowing, and build the capacity of their support team to optimise their safety at meals.
Complex Swallowing & Mealtime Support
Eating and Drinking With Acknowledged Risk (EDAR)
NDIS Mealtime Management Plans
Mealtime Training for Support Workers
Supporting Adults and Children who are Nil By Mouth
What is a Mealtime Management Plan?
Work with our Speech Pathologist to manage your swallowing difficulties today.
Empowering safe eating, dignity, and satisfaction at mealtimes
Mealtime Matters acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands People as the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Victoria where our services are located, and pay our respects to Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.
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Contact Us
- Suite 196, Level 2/66-104 Springfield Road, Blackburn, VIC 3130
- 0481 106 480
- info@mealtimematters.com.au