Tips for Supporting your Loved One with Dysphagia
Dining Out or Eating Safely at Home We often take our loved ones out for meals or prepare food for them at home, especially during special occasions. Here are some helpful tips to support safe and enjoyable dining experiences.
Know the Diet Texture Check with the Dietitian or care team for your loved one’s current diet texture. Also confirm whether thickened fluids are required.
Be Prepared If thickened fluids are needed, consider bringing thickener and learn how to use it. When preparing food at home, using the right equipment can help achieve the appropriate texture: Blender for pureed foods Mini Chopper, Food Processor, or Potato Masher for minced foods Manual Chopper/Dicer or Knife for Soft & Bite-Sized foods Cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, braising, and poaching can help keep foods moist and easier to chew.
Gentle Reminders: Encourage sitting upright during meals and for at least 30 minutes after Offer small bites and sips & allow extra time for meals Serve smaller portions to make eating more comfortable Bring familiar utensils or items that make eating easier
Aim for the Right Texture Easy to Chew: Soft and tender (like roast meat that falls apart easily) Soft & Bite-Sized: Small, tender pieces (like diced carrots about the width of a fork) Minced & Moist: Small, moist, cohesive pieces (like finely minced meat with gravy) Pureed: Smooth, lump-free, and not sticky or runny (like pudding) For detailed testing methods, visit IDDSI.org
Ask for Modifications Restaurants are often happy to help. You can ask for: Well-cooked, tender foods Foods to be chopped finely, mashed, or blended Extra sauces or gravies Remember, “soft” doesn’t always mean safe. Check the texture yourself to confirm if the food is soft, moist, and easy to manage.
Watch Mixed Textures Foods that combine solids and liquids may be harder to manage safely such as: soup with chunks, cereal with milk, fruit in juice, yogurt with fruit pieces. Choosing smoother foods where the liquid is fully mixed in such as smooth soups, porridge, smooth yogurt, and drained canned fruits may be safer, depending on the texture level.
Foods that Melt Foods like ice cream, sherbet, frozen yogurt, and gelatin may seem solid but quickly melt into thin liquids in the mouth and are considered thin liquids. These may not be appropriate for individuals who require thickened fluids. When unsure, check with the care team.