Improvement in swallow. Resident has been placed on thickened fluids, is tolerating these well and their general condition has improved
Under supervision, consider decreasing the fluid consistency by one level E.g. Level 1 fluids to level 0 or level 2 to level 1 fluids. Review after a trial (1 or 2 weeks) and document outcome
Document all changes and monitor the resident closely.
If the resident tolerates the new fluid consistency and further changes are not felt to be required, please inform Speech and Language Therapy of the changes to the residents fluids
If resident is felt to tolerate these without difficulty after three months, consider another 1 step change (if appropriate) and trial this as previous. If difficulties occur within 3 months of making the initial change, please refer to our service
Ensure the advice provided in the Eating and drinking strategies leaflet is followed.
Referral to Speech and Language Therapy is not needed if the resident is tolerating the new IDDSI fluid level without difficulty. However if further changes are required please refer the resident to Speech and Language Therapy
When completing a referral ensure you have documented the changes you have actioned prior to referral on the Managing dysphagia checklist and attached this to the referral. Referrals without this checklist will not be accepted at triage.
Page last reviewed: 24 September, 2024