Eating, Drinking & Swallowing (Dysphagia)

Dysphagia can impact the health, safety, and nutrition as well as participation and enjoyment of mealtimes. We support individuals and those caring for them to promote optimal eating, drinking, and swallowing.

A woman helps a young woman in a wheelchair drink from a glass at an outdoor café. The setting is bright and surrounded by greenery, with empty tables and chairs in the background.

Three people are preparing food together in a kitchen. One person pours orange juice into a glass, while fresh fruit and vegetables, such as peppers and oranges, are arranged on the table. They all appear to be enjoying the activity.

Mealtimes can be safer and more enjoyable with the support of a clinician experienced in the assessment and management of eating, drinking and swallowing challenges. Our dysphagia team which can includes Occupational Therapists and/or Speech Language Pathologists provide community-based assessment and management of eating, drinking and swallowing to individuals across British Columbia. Our approach is client centred, holistic and collaborative with families/caregivers as well as other health professionals such as dietitians, dental hygienists, nurses and physicians.

A woman in a pink shirt feeds a man in a wheelchair with a spoon. The man, who appears to have a disability, is wearing a black shirt and glasses. They are indoors, and the woman is wearing a face mask.

Our team provides:

Clinical assessment including oral motor and mealtime observation
Provision of/referral for Videofluoroscopic Instrumental evaluation when indicated
Practical holistic management recommendation which typically includes environment, positioning, texture modification and mealtime techniques and equipment.
Formal report, easy to follow guidelines and resources to support caregivers
Education for client, families and caregivers
Service may be provided through in-person visits and/or virtually