Aged Care Facilities

Hastings Macleay Speech Pathology works closely with older people in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF). As many people age, they experience changes to their swallowing and communication. Please see other fact sheets for information about swallowing and communication more specifically.

Swallowing in Aged Care

Swallowing difficulties affects nearly 40-50% of residents in RACF’s and can result in adverse outcomes including:

Aspiration pneumonia
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Poor quality of life
Prolonged and increased rates of hospitalisation

It is important to request an assessment by a speech pathologist when a resident demonstrates difficulty with eating or drinking. An urgent referral should be made if signs of aspiration are present. This can include:

Coughing when eating and drinking
A wet sounding/gurgly voice
Choking on food or drink

Communication in Aged Care

Up to 96% of residents living in a RACF’s have a communication disorder. Communicating effectively is a fundamental part of someone’s life. Hastings Macleay Speech Pathology can provide individual or group intervention to residents and education to staff and families.

Education

We provide education to catering, nursing staff, residents and carers on a range of different topics. This might include, but not limited to:

Texture modified diets and fluids
Dysphagia and swallowing disorders
How to manage dysphagia
Communication disorders
How to manage and assist with communication disorders
Communication-partner training
IDDSI Guidelines