What is the proper technique for feeding a resident with dysphagia?

The proper technique for feeding a resident with dysphagia involves several important considerations to ensure safety and promote effective swallowing. By offering small bites, you can help control the amount of food being consumed at one time, which is crucial for individuals with difficulty swallowing. Small bites reduce the risk of choking, as they are easier to manage and swallow.

Ensuring that the resident is sitting upright is also essential. This position helps prevent aspiration, which is when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. An upright position provides better control over the swallowing process and allows gravity to assist in moving food down the esophagus.

Monitoring for choking while feeding is vital as well. Careful observation allows the caregiver to respond quickly if the resident begins to have difficulty. Signs of choking can include coughing, difficulty breathing, or a change in skin color.

The other options do not align with best practices for feeding someone with dysphagia. Large bites can overwhelm a person’s ability to swallow safely, while lying down flat puts them at higher risk for aspiration. Feeding quickly compromises the resident’s ability to chew and swallow properly, increasing the risk of choking and making it difficult for them to enjoy their meal.