Resident is struggling on current diet texture
Under supervision, consider modifying texture of food by one level E.g. Level 7 regular easy chew to level 6 soft and bite sized diet. Review after a trial (1 or 2 weeks) and document outcome
Document all changes and monitor closely.
If the resident tolerates the new diet texture and further changes are not felt to be required, please inform Speech and Language Therapy of the changes to their diet texture
If difficulties begin to occur on these changes after three months, consider another 1 step change 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 (link) is followed.
Referral to Speech and Language Therapy is not needed if the resident is tolerating the new IDDSI diet 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