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Why do the elderly have trouble swallowing?
Difficulties swallowing for older adults
For older adults who have health conditions that cause swallowing difficulties, having experienced and dedicated home care can improve safety, comfort and confidence at home.Why do the elderly have trouble swallowing?
Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is a common issue among older adults. It can affect nutrition, hydration, and overall health, and may result from age-related changes, medical conditions, or certain medications. Here, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and ways to support elderly loved ones experiencing swallowing difficulties.
What is dysphagia?
Swallowing difficulties, or dysphagia, can become more prevalent with age, and common signs are frequent coughing or choking during meals, regurgitating food, refusing food, and getting recurrent infections due to aspiration. In the UK, dysphagia is thought to affect 50-75% of nursing home residents, and causes many issues. For example:
- Risk of choking, which makes eating more stressful
- Risk of aspiration (when food/liquid enters the airways), which can cause infections
- Nutritional deficiencies and weight loss
- Dehydration (watch for symptoms of dehydration)
- Difficulty taking medication if pills cannot be swallowed
- Anxiety around eating
If the problem persists, it is vital to see a GP about dysphagia to avoid serious complications such as choking.
What causes trouble swallowing in older adults?
Swallowing problems can affect any part of the swallowing process (from mouth to oesophagus), and can occur due to age-related muscle weakening that affects the coordination and strength needed for swallowing. This may also impact those with underlying conditions, such as:
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke or dementia that affect nerves and muscles involved in swallowing
- Dental issues that make chewing and swallowing more difficult and uncomfortable
- Chronic acid reflux and other conditions that cause swallowing difficulties
This may also affect those that require medications with side effects that include potential swallowing difficulties, and those with decreased saliva production due to ageing or certain medications.
Does my elderly loved one need home care for dysphagia?
Difficulty swallowing can be worrying for older people who live alone or have additional health conditions that increase the risk of dysphagia. For example, dysphagia is thought to affect around 15% of those with learning disabilities, and 50% of older adults with neurological conditions.
If your loved one has difficulty swallowing or you feel they have an elevated risk of choking, you may find that home care could help them to feel safer, more confident and more comfortable at mealtimes and beyond. Also, if you look after a loved one with swallowing difficulties and need respite care to give your family a break, we can ensure your older relative remains safe, and gets the nutrients and hydration they need to stay as healthy as possible.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Get in touch How to get started arranging home care for dysphagia
By arranging bespoke care that fits into your daily mealtime routine, we can provide personalised, attentive support so older adults feel safe to enjoy their food without risk.
You can start by arranging a Care Needs Assessment with your local council who will determine what kind of care is best if your loved one is struggling with swallowing. Private care can also help — whether visiting care during meals or full-time live-in care for 24/7 support, home care might look like encouragement to slow down while eating, monitoring for signs of choking, or any other tailored support that ensures a stress-free eating experience.
Reach out to your local Home Instead office to learn more about how to choose and arrange home care that works for you.
Why Home Instead?
We take the time to ensure you are comfortable with your home care arrangement, which often means matching caregivers based on needs, preferences and personality so you can enjoy their company. We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, and many of our locations are rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you will always feel fully supported.
Our Care Professionals can help with a number of daily needs, such as cooking and blending foods, ensuring nutritional needs are met, monitoring symptoms during mealtimes, and more. Support at home gives families peace of mind that someone is watching over their loved one and prioritising their safety, so if you believe you could benefit from this, reach out to our friendly team.
Advice & Support
FAQs
- Why do elderly people often have difficulty swallowing?
Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, is common in older adults due to age-related changes in muscle strength and coordination. It can also be caused by conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or throat and oesophageal disorders.
- What are the signs of swallowing difficulties in the elderly?
Signs of dysphagia include coughing or choking while eating or drinking, a sensation of food being stuck, frequent throat clearing, unexplained weight loss, and recurring chest infections caused by food or liquid entering the lungs.
- Can swallowing difficulties in the elderly be treated?
Yes, but treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may involve dietary changes, swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist, or medical interventions. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing complications like malnutrition or aspiration pneumonia.
- When should I seek medical advice for an elderly person with swallowing issues?
Seek medical advice if swallowing difficulties are persistent, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, dehydration, or frequent chest infections. A healthcare professional can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment or support.
- How can home care support elderly individuals with swallowing difficulties?
Our trained and experienced Care Professionals can assist by preparing texture-modified meals, ensuring proper hydration, and supervising mealtimes to reduce the risk of choking. They can also follow care plans provided by healthcare professionals to support safe and comfortable eating.
Diane Williams , Head of Quality & Standards
I have worked with Home Instead since July 2016 as a member of the Quality Team, taking the role of Head of Quality & Standards in 2020.
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.