Some older adults experience challenges when swallowing food and drinks. This problem could adversely affect the health and quality of life of the patients if not well managed.
Older adults need to eat nutritious meals to nourish their bodies and boost their immunity. However, swallowing problems reduce their ability to eat meals with different textures, which could lead to malnutrition and health complications.
The good news is that seniors with swallowing problems can eat thickened foods with minimal risk of choking, pain, discomfort, or aspiration. But how can seniors or their caregivers choose dysphagia-friendly meals? This article shares tips to help seniors with swallowing problems choose the right thickeners.
Importance of Using Thickeners
Thickeners and thickened foods provide a solution for people with chewing and swallowing challenges. These products can improve the lives of people with dysphagia caused by age-related muscle weakness, head or neck cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and narrow esophagus, among others.
Healthcare professionals may recommend buying a food thickener to improve the texture of the food and make it easier to chew and swallow foods and drinks. They also recommend thickeners or thickened foods to people with dentures or missing teeth to make the food easier to chew and swallow food.
Consider the Taste and Consistency
Thickeners come with different tastes and flavors, so what might work for one person may not be suitable for another. To choose the ideal option, caregivers should ask the affected older adult to try out the popular thickener brands. They can also choose different flavor options from the leading brands to select a few palatable options.
Food thickeners with lumps, fibers, and particles could increase choking risks. Therefore, caregivers should always use smooth and consistent thickeners that blend well with the food. If they notice chunks or lumps in the product, they can add water and mix it before adding it to food.
Check Thickness Levels
Thickeners for people with dysphagia fall into three categories: pudding, honey, and nectar. The right option usually depends on the level of swallowing challenges and the food or drink the affected person consumes regularly.
Seniors who only need minimal thickening should go for the nectar-thickness, which offers a liquid-like consistency. Moderate swallowing challenges require honey-thick products, while severe dysphagia requires pudding-thick products.
Caregivers can assess how well the older adult responds to products with different thickness levels to choose thickeners that work best. They can also consult a medical professional who can examine the patient and recommend the right option based on their findings.
Evaluate the Product Type
People with dysphagia can choose between purred meals, thickened water and juices, or buy thickeners separately to add to foods and drinks. Pureed meals have a consistent texture and are lump-free, making them ideal for people with dysphagia, dentures, or those who are too weak. Pureed meals are also good when traveling because they do not need cooking or complicated preparation procedures.
Thickened water or juices are smooth with a honey-like consistency. They are ideal for dysphagia associated with esophageal problems, thyroid nodules, stroke, or spinal cord injuries.
Versatile thickeners can be added to different food types at home. They do not have low nutritional value and are made of modified cornstarch, maltodextrin, or xanthan gum. These products save money because they can be used on different food products and allow users to adjust thickness based on the patient’s preferred consistency.
These factors can help people with dysphagia or their caregivers shop for the best thickeners. Although thickeners work for most people with dysphagia, it is crucial to handle each case individually and consider the patient’s opinion. Consulting healthcare providers can also help families buy dysphagia-friendly products for their loved ones.
