Swallowing Difficulties
Aberdeen City Health and Social Care
Partnership
Who we work with
Our Speech and Language Therapists work with adults over the age of 16 who might have problems with eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia).
These problems can arise as a result of: stroke/head injury, neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease, MS), Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Health problems.
Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties may include:
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- Difficulties with chewing
- Finding that it takes a long time to swallow / eat a meal
- Drooling
- A wet or gurgly voice
- Problems with taking medication
- Breathlessness after swallowing
- Storing food in the cheeks
- Chest infections or weight loss
What to expect when accessing our Services
Input will vary depending on the individual but will broadly include a period of assessment (this may include mealtime observations), treatment / rehabilitation as appropriate and advice and help to both you and those who support you. Alongside other strategies to support your eating and drinking we may discuss modifications to the textures of your food and drinks. For further information around Standard IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative please click here IDDSI Information Our teams have a person centred approach and encourage individuals to be involved in setting goals around what is important to them.
Depending on the reason for your difficulties you may be seen by varying parts of our Service. Please click this link for further information about different parts of our Services.
