Innerlink Therapy provides eating, drinking, and swallowing (dysphagia) assessments for those living at home, supported independent living (SIL), or in an aged care facility. Assessments are conducted in English, Arabic, Greek and Tagalog.
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe difficulty swallowing food, drinks, or medications. Swallowing may seem simple, but it is actually a complex process that involves many muscles and nerves working together to move food safely from the mouth to the stomach.
When this system does not work properly, food usually liquid moves too quickly for older patients, become stuck, or enter the airway instead of the stomach. This can cause coughing, choking, or discomfort while eating or drinking.
If dysphagia is not identified and managed, it can lead to health complications such as dehydration, poor nutrition, weight loss, or chest infections caused by food or liquid entering the lungs.
Swallowing difficulties are more common in older adults and in people with medical conditions such as stroke, neurological disorders, or dementia.
Why a Swallowing Assessment is Important
At Innerlink Therapy, our speech pathologists provide dysphagia (swallowing) assessments to help identify and manage eating and drinking difficulties safely.
A swallowing assessment helps to:
- Identify the cause of swallowing difficulties
- Reduce the risk of choking
- Reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia or chest infections (food/liquid entering the lungs)
- Ensure food, drinks, and medications can be taken safely
- Maintain proper nutrition and hydration
- Support comfort and enjoyment during meals
Our clinicians carefully assess chewing, swallowing, and overall eating skills. We use evidence-based clinical knowledge together with a compassionate approach that respects the person’s dignity, preferences, and quality of life.
Signs of Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Difficulties
Changes in eating or drinking can sometimes indicate a swallowing difficulty. If you notice any of the following signs, a swallowing assessment may be helpful:
- Food or medication sticking in the mouth, throat, or chest
- Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
- Food or fluids coming back out through the mouth or nose
- Spitting out food that has not been fully chewed or swallowed
- Loose or poorly fitting dentures
- Poor oral hygiene or food remaining in the mouth after meals
- Weakness in the tongue, lips, or facial muscles
- A wet or “gurgly” sounding voice after swallowing
- Changes in breathing during or after meals
- Taking a long time to finish meals or losing interest in food
- Concerns raised by family members or carers
- Recurrent chest infections or aspiration pneumonia
These signs should not be ignored, as swallowing problems can affect a person’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Supporting Safe and Enjoyable Mealtimes
Every person deserves to eat and drink safely while maintaining their independence and quality of life. At Innerlink Therapy, we work closely with individuals, families, and care providers to create practical strategies that support safe and enjoyable mealtimes.
If you are concerned about swallowing difficulties, our team can help guide you through the assessment process and provide personalised recommendations.
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