Safe Swallow Strategies
What posture is safest for eating?
Bob finishes a bite of food and immediately takes another bite before swallowing the first one. What should Bob do instead?
What is aspiration?
When food goes down the airway (the “wrong tube”)
You should avoid doing this until you have finished swallowing to help prevent choking
Talking
Joe is drinking water during his meal. He tips his head backward and lifts his chin toward the ceiling because he believes it helps the water go down more easily.
Keep his head in a neutral position (or slightly tucked is okay too!)
Performing this routine task at least twice daily reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia by removing harmful bacteria from the mouth
Oral Care/Brushing Teeth
True or False? - Taking large bites and eating quickly can help prevent choking
False
Patricia is having dinner with her family. Everyone is laughing and telling stories, so she continues talking while chewing her food. She occasionally laughs with food still in her mouth, takes large bites, and begins coughing before she has finished swallowing. What should she do instead? (2 answers)
1. Avoid talking/laughing while chewing or swallowing.
2. Focus on eating and take small bites to reduce the risk of choking.
How long should you wait after eating before laying down?
30-60 minutes
True of False? Taking a small pause between every bite of food or sip of water helps give your throat time to clear and reduces your risk of choking
True
William eats his lunch in his recliner because he says sitting at the table is uncomfortable. His head is tilted back slightly while he drinks his coffee. After finishing, he stays in the recliner and falls asleep. What should he do instead? (3 answers)
1. Sit upright (about 90°) while eating and drinking.
2. Keep his head in a neutral position.
3. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating before lying down or sleeping.
True or False? People always show signs (like coughing) when they aspirate
False