About this course
Dysphagia training prepares staff to safely support individuals who have difficulty swallowing or who require specialized mealtime supports.
This course helps staff understand dysphagia, recognize signs of swallowing difficulty, and reduce the risk of choking and aspiration. Training includes safe eating and drinking practices, positioning, pacing, supervision, specialized diets and prescribed food or liquid consistencies, and the importance of following each individual's specific healthcare provider recommendations and Nursing Care Plan. There is a hands-on component of this class as well.
Participants also learn what to observe during meals, when to stop feeding or providing fluids, when concerns should be reported to the nurse, and how to respond appropriately when an individual shows signs of difficulty or distress.
The goal of this training is to give Direct Support Professionals the practical knowledge they need to provide safe, respectful, and person-centered mealtime assistance while following each individual's prescribed plan of care. This class is held in-person.