DYSPHAGIA BLOG
Eating and Swallowing in Adults with Down Syndrome: A guide for families and carers
Swallowing difficulties are common in adults with Down syndrome, but with awareness, early support, and safe swallow strategies, mealtimes can remain safe, nutritious, and enjoyable. Speech pathologists play a crucial role in assessing swallowing, providing guidance, and supporting independence and quality of life throughout adulthood. With careful monitoring and simple adaptations, families and carers can help ensure that every mealtime is not just safe but also a positive, enjoyable experience.
Swallowing Management in Neurodegenerative Conditions: Reflections of a Speech Pathologist
As a speech pathologist, I have had the honour of working closely with patients and their families who are living with a neurodegenerative condition, such as Motor Neurone Disease or Parkinson's. From this work, I have learned a lot from the bravery of those I have worked with as they combat not only physical illness, but weighty discussions around their values, future and how they wish to make the most of life.
Simply Modified Holiday Gift Guide
Meaningful & practical gifts for individuals living with dysphagia. The holiday season is the perfect time to give gifts that make everyday life easier, and more enjoyable, especially for individuals living with dysphagia or those who require modified mealtime supports. At Simply Modified, we believe that mealtimes can be both safe and joyful. That’s why we’ve curated a holiday gift guide filled with thoughtful, functional favourites that promote independence, dignity, and confidence.
Yvonne McClaren’s Story: Finding Joy, Confidence, and Connection Again
The latest episode of our Simply Modified Dysphagia Bite series welcomes someone whose story will stay with you long after the video ends. Yvonne McClaren is an author, chef, and advocate who has lived through the profound challenges of dysphagia after treatment for head and neck cancer.
Eating, Drinking and Swallowing - The Medical, the Social and the Emotional
Making Informed Mealtime Decisions. In this blog, we sit down with Chantel Kendle, speech pathologist and dysphagia advocate, to talk about choice. Chantel shares how clinicians can walk alongside people with dysphagia to support decision-making that is both informed and empowering.
Celebrating the Holiday Season with Dysphagia
The holiday season is synonymous with connection, joy, and, of course, indulgent meals shared with loved ones. But for individuals with dysphagia, this time of year can bring unique challenges. To help you along, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Holiday Edition eBook—a specially curated collection of recipes and inspiration to help you embrace the festive spirit while enjoying delicious, dysphagia-friendly foods!
On the Go Dysphagia Snacks: No cook, easy options
This post aims to empower individuals by highlighting easy, on-the-go snack options across the different IDDSI levels, ensuring there is something for everyone. Everyone deserves the flexibility to eat and drink safely, and these everyday snack ideas help make that possible.
AAC Awareness Month: Making Mealtimes Communication-Friendly
Every October, AAC Awareness Month shines a light on the importance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in supporting individuals who face communication challenges. For those living with dysphagia, mealtimes can be not only physically difficult but also isolating when communication options are limited. At Simply Modified, we believe that mealtimes should be empowering, not isolating. That’s why we’re excited to share our Mealtime Communication Boards, designed specifically to make communication during meals accessible and enjoyable.
Celebrating National Carers Week: The Unsung Heroes in Dysphagia Care
As we celebrate National Carers Week (October 13–19, 2024), it’s time to recognise and honour the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for others. This year’s theme, “Millions of Reasons to Care,” invites us to reflect on the countless reasons carers make such a profound impact on our society. It is a powerful reminder of how essential carers are in our community, especially when supporting those with complex needs like dysphagia.
Dysphagia recipe… for you!
Are you ready to taste comfort in a bowl? No matter how many new recipes I explore, I always come back to this stew! It’s super flavoursome and packed full of wholefood ingredients that leave your body feeling incredible. The lentils with the pumpkin also create a wonderful consistency, making it very simple to modify for different texture needs. Meaning this is a dish that you can delightfully share with the whole family.
Speech Pathology and Parkinson’s Disease
While the tremors and rigidity are commonly associated with Parkinson's, the speech and swallowing challenges often come as a surprise. Enter speech pathology – a critical field dedicated to understanding and treating communication and swallowing disorders.
Eating seasonally with dysphagia
Eating seasonally isn't just a culinary trend; it's a way to nourish our bodies with the freshest, most flavourful ingredients nature has to offer. For individuals managing dysphagia, the journey of creating delicious, nutritious meals can be challenging. However, by embracing the bounty of each season, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity to explore a world of fresh flavours.
Dysphagia, but make it to go
It’s a common story told by so many of my clients. They skip the morning coffee or afternoon catch-up with friends because there is nothing suitable to eat. I want to remind you that you’re more than your dysphagia diagnosis. Food is an integral part of your life, it just requires simple modifications so that you can continue enjoying the things close to your heart…
NDIS and assistive technology
Part of your NDIS plan may include a budget for Assistive Technology (AT). Although ‘technology’ is in the name, an AT item does not necessarily need to be a high-tech item. AT is any piece of equipment that lets you perform a task you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do, or makes it easier and safer for you to perform a task. The Simply Modified cookbook can fall under the AT umbrella, if it is linked to the goals within your plan. So, think creatively about what your NDIS goals are, and how ‘technology’ can help you achieve them. NDIS goals can be as broad or as specific as you like, as long as they are related to your needs…