Doesn't Swallow or Chokes

Possible Causes
Your loved one:

• Finds it physically difficult to swallow (this is called dysphagia).
• Forgets to chew.
• Consumes food too rapidly.

What you can try:

• Avoid hard foods: popcorn, nuts, hard candy, hard raw vegetables (such as carrots), hot dogs (unless finely diced), grapes, apples.
• Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing: celery, steak, chips.
• Avoid sticky foods such as peanut butter.
• Mash up foods or puree them in a blender or baby-food grinder; finely dice meat and cheese.
• Choose nonsolids, such as puddings, gelatins, applesauce, small-curd cottage cheese.
• Try nutritional supplement drinks (such as Ensure).
• Be sure liquids aren't too thin; they may be drunk too quickly, causing a choking hazard.
• Choose thicker soups, purees, and smoothies, which are easiest for seniors with chewing and swallowing problems.

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Dementia Signage for the Home