Swallowing problems at home: safer meals and the signs to watch

After a stroke, with Parkinson’s or dementia, or simply with age, swallowing can get harder. When food or drink goes the wrong way it can cause choking or pneumonia. A few mealtime habits make eating safer, and a speech therapist can tailor them to the person.

Small bites, one at a time

Take small bites, less than 1 teaspoon of food per bite.¹ Chew well and swallow before the next bite.¹ If one side of the face or mouth is weaker, chew on the stronger side.¹

Sit up straight, and stay up

Sit as straight as possible to eat, and stay upright for 30 to 45 minutes after eating.¹

Be careful with liquids

Don’t mix solid food and liquid in the same bite, and don’t wash food down with sips unless the speech or swallowing therapist says it’s okay.¹ Check with the provider or therapist before drinking thin liquids like water; they may recommend thickened liquids.¹

Keep mealtimes calm

Keep meals relaxed, and don’t talk and swallow at the same time.¹ Family can help by not talking to the person while they eat or drink, and by gently reminding them to finish swallowing.¹

Signs food is going the wrong way

Watch for coughing or choking during or after eating, a gurgly voice or throat sounds, clearing the throat after drinking, food coming back up, hiccups after swallowing, chest discomfort, slow eating and weight loss.¹

When to call

Call the provider for a cough, fever or shortness of breath, weight loss, or swallowing that’s getting worse.¹ If someone is choking and can’t breathe, call 911. A home health speech therapist can test swallowing at home and set up a safe eating plan.