MyTherapyPrograms.Com
________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Swallowing Strategies
SKU: SFSGST
Solution Plan:
Making a swallow stronger:
Place the tongue on the roof of mouth as hard as possible and swallow while keeping the tongue on the roof of your mouth and rest…. repeat
Open the mouth as wide as possible/ feel stretch (should feel no pain) and relax after five seconds and rest…repeat
Stick out the tongue as far as possible to feel stretch, hold position for five seconds and rest…. repeat
Stick the tongue toward your nose and hold for five seconds and then point towards the chin for five seconds and repeat
Sting the tip of the tongue and hold to the right side for five seconds and then switch to the left side rest…. repeat
Ensure that feet are stabilized solidly on the ground with the back flat against the back of the chair.
Take breaks between bites. Swallow, count to three, take a sip of water, bite again.
Check food temperature and texture changes to ensure a safe swallow
If the individual is having trouble swallowing, use a straw when offering liquids may be helpful
If coordination and independence are an issue, offer finger foods—sandwiches, cut up fruits and vegetables, cheese cubes, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, etc.
Sit with the individual if possible, while eating, to create an atmosphere of friendliness. People often eat very slowly, therefore, sitting at the beginning of the meal, will be a way to model eating for the individual.
Decrease distractions such as TV and radio.
Limit utensils to the one that is needed at a given time in the meal.
Serve soup in a cup so it can be drunk rather than spooned out.
Do not lay down when mealtime it completed, stay sitting upright for at least 30 -45minutes post meal.
