About this course
This course equips direct support professionals, caregivers, and healthcare staff with the knowledge and practical skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to dysphagia and choking risks. Learners will explore the swallowing process, identify risk factors, recognize warning signs, implement specialized diets, use adaptive equipment, and respond to emergencies. The course emphasizes best practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of individualized care plans for safe eating.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define dysphagia and explain its impact on health and safety
- Describe the anatomy and phases of the swallowing process
- Identify physical, behavioral, environmental, and cognitive risk factors for choking
- Recognize warning signs of swallowing difficulties and choking
- Differentiate between specialized diet textures and liquid consistencies, and understand their preparation requirements
- Demonstrate safe feeding practices, including proper positioning and use of adaptive equipment
- Apply behavioral and environmental strategies to reduce choking risk