ABSTRACT
This chapter builds on the theoretical information of the previous chapter to show how this can be applied practically when working clinically with older people who have swallow impairments. The environment of the swallow assessment may also be a contributing factor if it is different from the client’s natural eating and drinking environment. An assessment in a clinical setting, such as a radiology suite for VF or an outpatient clinic, reduces the environmental and anticipatory cueing of the pre-oral stage of the swallow, which can affect the rest of the swallow phases, especially with older people. Some older people take the view that they will accept the risks of aspiration pneumonia if they can continue to eat and drink food they enjoy. Poor oral hygiene and tooth decay can cause discomfort and pain, and are linked with several serious conditions, such as an increased risk of pneumonia, heart disease and stroke.
