Private Speech Therapy for Adults

Swallowing difficulties are also known as dysphagia. 

They can affect eating, drinking, swallowing and can include difficulties with saliva management and taking medication. They may occur following stroke, neurological illness, brain injury, frailty or other medical conditions.

A person with swallowing difficulties may cough or choke when eating or drinking, need repeated swallows, feel that food is sticking, avoid certain textures, or take a long time to chew, process and/or finish meals. 

Swallowing difficulties can increase the risk of chest infections, aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, poor nutrition, weight loss, and reduced enjoyment of food and drink. In some cases, the consequences can be life-threatening, and swallowing difficulties can contribute to serious illness and death. They can also have a significant impact on health, safety, confidence, and quality of life, which is why timely assessment and appropriate management are so important. 

A swallowing assessment helps identify the nature of the difficulty and guide appropriate recommendations. This may include advice on food and drink textures, positioning, pacing, swallowing strategies, and mealtime support. 

Where appropriate, therapy may also include bespoke exercises and specialist rehabilitation approaches such as Ampcare ESP. Liaison with other services may also be needed, including referral on for specialist instrumental assessment if this is indicated. 

Support is always tailored to the individual, with the aim of promoting safety, comfort and quality of life while taking account of mental capacity, personal preferences and goals.