As this stage ends, the oral preparatory stage may begin again. General warning signs indicating swallowing problems include Coughing before, during or after swallowing food, liquids or medications Need to swallow three or four times with each bolus Frequent throat clearing Hoarse, breathy voice or gargly breathing Feeling of something caught or sticking in throat Drooling Pocketing of food in mouth Repetitive rocking of tongue in mouth. General warning signs of aspiration pneumonia include elevated temperature and fatigue. It is possible for an older person to have pneumonia without the elevated temperature. Aspiration, which refers to foreign materials taken into the lungs, is the most serious health risk from dysphagia.
Residents can aspirate foods without any external signs.
13 Shakes or has Tremors Reduce the distance from the plate to the resident's mouth. Position so that the resident's elbows and forearms are supported on the table. Adjust table height to support elbows. The table height may need to be adjusted to allow the elbows to rest on the table. Provide foods that are easy to handle.