ABSTRACT

This chapter summarizes assessment and management options for swallowing disorders and feeding. It discusses ways to support an individual’s understanding of relevant information in relation to making an informed decision about swallowing and feeding management and how to assess an individual’s mental capacity to make a decision about these issues. Mental capacity assessment is always for a specific decision, and there are many scenarios linked to swallowing and feeding that may require an individual to understand, retain and weigh up information. In an ideal situation, the person will be cognitively able to engage in all aspects of swallow or feeding management and would be able to understand the findings of assessments, management options and consequences and make an informed decision about her care. In severe cases of dysphagia, the risk of aspiration and/or choking may be so great that the safest management option would be to remain nil by mouth and consider alternative methods of feeding.