Nazareth Care Ireland is proud to announce a new Dysphagia Management Strategy implemented across all its facilities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This includes the development of new policies and procedures that train all its staff in the management, medicine optimisation and guide on assisting Residents with Dysphagia, to eat drink and swallow safely.
Being able to eat and drink what we want is a privilege that most of us take for granted. It is a daily pleasure that is integral to our lives. For people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, food and drink may present a danger to them which has impacts that extend beyond the risk of choking, and affects the fabric of their daily lives. Studies and research suggest that between 50-75% of Residents in nursing homes have swallowing difficulties. Residents whose dysphagia is not well managed often do not eat and drink enough and thus may lose weight, develop chest infections, become confused and occasionally choke.
The new strategy launched by Nazareth Care Ireland embraces recommendations from research and best practice around the world that promotes person centred, safe and effective care. Guidance has also been issued to Staff for the management of a resident with dementia who has dysphagia.
