Help Care Workers To Recognise Swallowing Difficulties

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can develop gradually and often go unnoticed.

As a support worker, being observant of subtle changes in a participant’s behavior and habits can help identify potential swallowing issues before they become serious.

Here are key signs and behaviors to watch for:

?? Changes in Social Behavior

• Avoiding mealtimes in group settings
• Preferring to eat alone or reducing participation in shared meals
• Withdrawing from conversations during meals, possibly to hide difficulties swallowing

?? Food Preferences & Avoidance

• Gradually shifting toward softer foods without explanation
• Avoiding dry or crumbly foods like crackers or toast
• Complaining that food “doesn’t taste right” or is “too hard to eat”

?? Increased Anxiety Around Eating

• Displaying distress or hesitation before meals
• Frequently requesting food to be cut into smaller pieces
• Showing nervousness when drinking thin liquids

?? Unexplained Changes in Hydration Levels

• Drinking excessive amounts of water to help with swallowing
• Avoiding water due to fear of choking
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, dizziness, or confusion

?? Unexpected or Gradual Weight Loss

• Weight loss recorded in health checks despite no reported change in appetite
• Clothing appearing looser over time
• Signs of malnutrition, including fatigue, hair thinning, or brittle nails

?? Changes in Eating Speed

• Eating significantly slower or taking small bites and chewing for long periods
• Rushing through meals, possibly due to anxiety around eating

?? Recurring Nighttime Coughing or Sleep Disturbances

• Complaints of coughing or choking episodes at night
• Increased use of pillows to elevate the head while sleeping
• Waking up feeling like something is stuck in the throat

?? Changes in Bowel Movements or Digestion

• Frequent constipation or discomfort due to poor food intake
• Complaints of bloating, reflux, or heartburn unrelated to diet

Why This Matters Dysphagia can increase the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Early recognition and intervention are key to ensuring a participant’s safety and quality of life.

If you notice any of these signs, please report them immediately to a supervisor or healthcare professional. Your attentiveness can make a life-changing difference.

For more information about?understanding?Dysphagia?access?a?short?course?here:?Dysphagia & Choking