As we get older there are certain things we used to take for granted that become more difficult. When our bodies start to slow down and become weaker it can have knock-on effects for even simple things, and one of the most common problems faced by elderly people is losing the ability to swallow foods and liquids easily.

This is known as dysphagia, also referred to as ‘swallowing difficulties’, and it is a condition that affects someone’s ability to swallow certain foods or liquids, and in some cases restricts the ability to swallow entirely.

Dysphagia is relatively common in the general population, affecting as much as 16% of adults in the UK, but it is particularly common among the elderly, with as many as 1 in 3 older people suffering from the condition. 

Elderly swallowing difficulties can be temporary or permanent, but in both cases it is a dangerous condition that’s associated with malnutrition, pneumonia and dehydration, as well as higher rates of mortality, and that should be taken seriously. If you’re worried that one of your elderly loved ones could be suffering from dysphagia, it’s important you understand what could be causing the condition, how to spot it, and what can be done to manage it.

What are the signs of elderly swallowing difficulties to look out for?

Dysphagia can often go undiagnosed because people suffering from the condition adapt to it, or because they simply don’t ask for help. If you think an elderly relative might be experiencing dysphagia there are some key signs to look out for:

• Choking or coughing when eating or drinking
• Bringing food back up, including through the nose
• Persistent drooling of saliva
• A ‘wet’ sounding voice when eating or drinking
• Weight loss
• Recurring chest infections

Your loved one might also be suffering from dysphagia if they report any of the following symptoms:

• Pain while swallowing
• The feeling of food being stuck in the throat or chest
• Frequent heartburn

If you observe an elderly relative experiencing any of these problems, or if they tell you about them, it’s important that they see a medical professional as they may need to be referred to a specialist.

How can dysphagia in elderly patients be managed?

The management of dysphagia for elderly patients depends on the cause and severity of the condition. For example, if it’s simply the result of something like acid reflux, it may get better on its own. However, if the swallowing difficulties are due to a longer term issue specialist treatment might be required.

Treatments and therapies that can help alleviate elderly swallowing difficulties include:

• Medicines to treat acid reflux
• Swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
• Dietary changes, for example eating softer foods
• Using specialist spoons, plates and cups
• Surgery to widen the oesophagus
• Injections that relax the muscles in the oesophagus and make it easier to swallow food and liquid

However, if your elderly loved one lives alone, you might be concerned that they’re struggling to manage the condition themselves. This is why live-in care can be a life-changing—and life-saving—service.

How our live-in care can help 

As our loved ones get older they can sometimes find it harder to take care of themselves, and this is especially worrying if they live alone. However, understandably, older people are often unwilling to leave the comfort and familiarity of their own home and move into a care home—and this is why our live-in care service is so valuable.

At Abbots Care we have been providing the highest standard of live-in care since 1995, and in that time we’ve built up an exceptional reputation for our bespoke, one-to-one support service.

If your relative is suffering from temporary or permanent dysphagia a live-in carer can ensure their safety and wellbeing by providing direct support during mealtimes, as well as being on-hand to deliver first aid if required, or calling 999 in the case of an emergency. This provides the families of our patients with genuine peace of mind, knowing that whatever happens, their loved one is being looked after by a professional Care Worker, 24 hours a day.

Our live-in care service can make a huge difference to your loved one’s quality of life, and other benefits of our live-in carers include:

• Allowing your elderly relative to stay in their own home where they’re comfortable, rather than having to go through the upheaval of moving to a care home or assisted living facility.
• Couples can continue living together in their own home.
• Your loved one will experience minimal disruption to their daily life or their routine.
• Lower average cost compared to a care home.
• People can continue living with their beloved pets, while our carers can also help with feeding, walking and caring for them.

If you’d like to find out more about how our live-in care service can support your elderly relative, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our experienced and dedicated care support staff will be happy to answer any of your questions or concerns, while we’ll be able to advise on the best level of support your loved one might need.

Alternatively you can request a brochure, book a free home care assessment, or even trial live-in care for two weeks, with one week offered completely free of charge*.

*Terms and conditions apply.