ADULT SPEECH PATHOLOGY

A swallowing assessment, sometimes called a mealtime management assessment, is a gentle, supportive way to understand how safely and comfortably someone can eat and drink. It’s all about making mealtimes safer, more enjoyable, and tailored to individual needs.

When is it needed?
If someone is having difficulty swallowing, this assessment can help pinpoint what’s going on. Some common signs include choking or coughing during meals, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, feeling short of breath after eating or drinking, taking a long time to chew, or frequent chest infections that may be linked to food or drink going down the wrong way.

Why is it helpful?
The assessment helps us recommend changes to food textures or drink thickness to support safer swallowing. It also allows us to suggest practical techniques and strategies that make eating and drinking more confident and comfortable.

What happens during the assessment?
A speech pathologist will observe you eating and drinking in a typical mealtime setting. They may gently place their fingers on your throat to feel how your muscles are working while you swallow. This is a simple, painless way to understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

How to prepare
We’ll need a quiet space and a table to sit at. You may be asked to eat a few familiar foods from home, but we can also bring some along if needed. The goal is to keep things relaxed and as close to your usual mealtime routine as possible.

What happens next?
After the assessment, your speech pathologist will talk through the findings and create a personalised Mealtime Management Plan. This plan will include tailored recommendations to help make swallowing safer and more comfortable. You and your support team will be guided through the plan so everyone feels confident and informed.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help. Mealtimes should be safe, supportive, and enjoyable and we’re with you every step of the way!