Dad was told he has dysphagia after his stroke. What does that change about meals at home?

Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing, and after a stroke it changes meals at home by requiring the exact food textures and drink thickness on his discharge instructions, an upright position, and slow, supervised eating at every meal.

At every meal:

• Follow the instructions exactly. Do not give thin liquids, such as water or coffee, unless his speech therapist allows it.
• Seat him fully upright, ideally in a chair, and keep him upright for a while after eating.
• Small bites and sips, one at a time; wait until he swallows before the next.
• Minimize distractions, no TV, no talking while chewing.
• Check his mouth for pocketed food after meals, and keep up good mouth care, which helps lower pneumonia risk.
• Ask his pharmacist or doctor how to take pills safely; don't crush medications without asking.

Call his doctor if you notice coughing or choking during meals, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, fever, weight loss, refusing food, or new chest congestion.

Call 911 if he is choking and can't breathe, cough or speak, or has new stroke signs.

Ask whether speech therapy can continue at home. An aide trained to follow a swallowing plan can supervise meals; call our coordinators at (718) 232-2777.