1 Day Course
Provide Support in Dysphagia Management
Training approach considerations to maintain adequate nutritional intake and maximise airway protection
Course Overview
Dysphagia refers to difficulties with swallowing. This dysphagia training course provides training on how to care for individuals with dysphagia, which is common in the elderly population.
The course teaches strategies for managing dysphagia, such as:
- Modifying food and liquid textures per IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) guidelines
- Encouraging smaller bites and eating slowly
- Potentially using feeding tubes for severe cases
- Working with speech pathologists for swallowing assessments and diet modifications
Providing appropriate care for dysphagia is crucial for maintaining quality of life, adequate nutrition, and safety for elderly individuals or residents of aged care facilities.
The goal is to ensure individuals with swallowing difficulties receive proper evaluation, diet modifications, and monitoring to avoid life-threatening situations and promote overall well-being.
Course Delivery
This dysphagia training course includes online pre-course theory, plus 2 hours of classroom training at Bestwest Care Training Rooms.
Group bookings can be made for 10+ attendees at workplaces. Please enquire with our staff.
Contact us or call 9439 1673 to book a class or request one of our trainers to provide training at your workplace.
Topics Covered Include:
This can be completed as a one-day pathway course. It is aimed at Care Workers and is strongly recommended for all personal care staff. The dysphagia training course includes:
- What is dysphagia?
- The anatomy and physiology of swallowing
- Signs, symptoms, causes and related conditions
- Care, feeding and treatment options
- Possible complications and what to observe as a Care Worker
A certificate of participation is issued upon completion of the course.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
This class is suitable for all industries and community groups, and dysphagia training can be conducted at individual workplaces or venues if minimum numbers and appropriate facilities are available.
Course Fees
$100 per person.
Fees are payable on booking your attendance.
Course FAQs
What is dysphagia training, and why is it important for healthcare professionals?
Dysphagia training is specialized education that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of swallowing disorders. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals because it equips them with the knowledge and skills to effectively care for patients with swallowing difficulties, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration.
How does the dysphagia training course at Bestwest Care enhance patient care and safety?
Our dysphagia training course enhances patient care and safety by providing healthcare professionals with evidence-based strategies for assessment and intervention. Participants learn to identify swallowing problems early, implement appropriate feeding techniques, and develop personalized management plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
What specific skills will I gain from completing this dysphagia training program?
Upon completing our dysphagia training program, you’ll gain skills in:
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Understanding Dysphagia: Recognising the condition and its impact on clients’ health and well-being
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Swallowing Assessment: Observing and identifying signs of swallowing difficulties to report to healthcare professionals.
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Risk Management: Minimising risks associated with choking, aspiration, or malnutrition during mealtime.
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Safe Fluid Modification: Preparing and using thickened fluids to meet clients’ dietary needs and safety requirements.
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Feeding Assistance: Supporting clients during feeding while maintaining dignity, comfort, and safety.
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Practical Communication: Effectively communicating with clients, families, and healthcare teams about dysphagia care.
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Legal and ethical considerations: Following organisational policies and procedures
Can dysphagia training help reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia in patients?
Yes, dysphagia training can significantly reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. By learning to accurately assess swallowing function, implement appropriate feeding strategies, and educate patients and caregivers, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of food or liquid entering the airway. This proactive approach is essential in preventing aspiration-related complications.
How often should healthcare professionals update their dysphagia training to stay current with best practices?
Healthcare professionals should update their dysphagia training regularly, ideally every 2-3 years. The field of dysphagia management is continually evolving with new research, assessment tools, and intervention techniques. Regular training ensures that professionals stay current with the latest evidence-based practices, ultimately providing the best possible care for patients with swallowing disorders.