Delayed Swallow

By chenrezig

Sun 23 Dec 2007 07:34

Could anyone out there please tell me a bit more about caring for someone with a delayed swallow from a carers/hands-on point of view?

My father is in hospital after a suspected min-stroke/TIA and two of the nurses think he might have a delayed swallow
(he has always had a right-sided weakness), - we are awaiting a visit tomorrow from a speech therapist on Monday to make a definite? diagnosis.

I know it can affect the ability to swallow and keep food from entering the airway (one of the possible complications being pnuemonia). At the moment he is on a normal diet. I know some carees with this have to have a pureed diet.

I would like a bit more guidance on the "right" questions to ask the speech thereapist tomorrow.

Thanks for any help.