Geriatric Nutrition and Dysphagia Management: The Big Picture- SOD

Course overview

Speech Language Pathologists are often challenged to address the swallowing deficits of older people with multiple conditions and co-morbidities. Such older patients are often at a significant risk for malnutrition, dehydration, sarcopenia and cachexia. These factors further complicate the contribution of dysphagia and the overall nutrition status of the client. This course covers a range of references to provide the needed resources for the SLP to fully understand the multiple factors of nutrition management of older clients. Some of the many topics discussed include diet levels, thickened liquids, nutritional and dysphagia assessments teamwork with nursing and dietary staff, and team education all to assure the needed person centered care with the best clinical outcomes.