Author: bsa_mar

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Thickened festive alcoholic and fizzy drinks

The festive season is upon us, bringing with it celebrations aplenty and the joy of family gatherings.

For many, it’s a season that’s synonymous with the clinking of glasses; of raising a toast with loved ones and friends, whether that’s a Prosecco, a glass of wine, a seasonal beer or even a special non-alcoholic soda.

As a clinician, you know how important these simple pleasures can be for your patients’ emotional wellbeing – but you also know they can so often feel out of reach for those living with dysphagia and other swallowing difficulties. With so few options available for thickened drinks, celebrations can be a cause of worry for those patients, leading to feelings of exclusion and even social isolation.

Everyone can enjoy their favourite festive tipple safely
At Slõ Drinks, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy their favourite festive drink, whatever their unique medical needs. That’s why we’ve developed a range of innovative, pre-measured sachets of thickening products designed specifically to enhance your dysphagia care planning for the festive season and beyond, and bring enjoyment to those living with dysphagia.

Patients simply choose their favourite drink, add a pre-measured sachet of thickener, and they can safely and confidently join the festivities with a glass of the following:
• Slõ Beer
• Slõ Cider
• Slõ Wine
• Slõ Bubbly

Bringing inclusivity to the party
Slõ Drinks offer a simple, effective and great-tasting solution for dysphagia care planning. You can confidently prescribe our pre-measured thickening sachets to meet the unique needs and tastes of every patient, ensuring a truly personalised care plan, whatever the season.

Our thickeners make it easy for patients to control the consistency of all their favourite hot and cold drinks, with each product available in IDDSI Levels 1-3 to ensure a safe and enjoyable drinking experience, every time.
The process is easy, too – patients simply open a sachet, mix it with their favourite tipple, and they can confidently toast the season with a drink that flows slõ, tailored to their exact needs.

Sharing a drink with loved ones is a priceless gift that extends far beyond the festive season. Give the gift of cheer and enhance your dysphagia patient care with Slõ Drinks.

For more information or to order samples: http://www.slodrinks.com/clinicians-library/

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Festive fizz for those with dysphagia

The festive season is upon us, bringing with it joyful celebrations and the warmth of family gatherings.

For many, it’s a season that’s synonymous with the clinking of glasses; of raising a toast with loved ones, and getting together with friends to enjoy a glass of Prosecco or wine, a seasonal beer or even a special non-alcoholic soda. They are moments to cherish.

When you’re navigating dysphagia or caring for someone with swallowing difficulties, these festive joys often seem out of reach. The limited options for thickened drinks can mean celebrations become a source of concern and worry rather than something to look forward to. You don’t want to have to carry a heavy tin of thickener with you to events or gatherings, and a pre-thickened ONS isn’t always the most appropriate party drink.

Don’t let dysphagia dim the festive sparkle
Here at Slõ Drinks, we don’t believe anybody should be excluded from raising a toast over the holidays. We want everyone to be able to enjoy their favourite festive drink, whatever their unique medical needs.

We’ve therefore developed a range of innovative, pre-measured sachets of thickening products designed specifically to preserve the festive sparkle for those with dysphagia and other swallowing difficulties.

Simply choose a favourite tipple, add a sachet of your required thickness, mix, and join in the celebrations with confidence.

Our range means you can choose from:
• Slõ Beer
• Slõ Cider
• Slõ Wine
• Slõ Bubbly

Or maybe you don’t need to choose – why not try them all? It’s Christmas, after all!

Bringing inclusivity to the party
Slõ Drinks are a simple, effective and great-tasting solution for the festive season. Because they come in handy pre-measured sachets, you can slip a few in your pocket or handbag and head to your party knowing you’ll be able to enjoy a drink with everyone else – no massive tins of thickener, and no powdery milkshakes.

The process is easy and discreet, too – simply open a sachet, mix it with your favourite tipple, and you can confidently toast the season with a drink that flows as slõ as you need it to.
And we even have the after-hours covered, with our hot drink thickener ensuring you can enjoy a post-dinner cup of tea or coffee alongside your friends.

Share a Slõ drink with loved ones this festive season, and raise a glass to joining in.

To start getting ready to celebrate you can buy the sachets you need here: www.slodrinks.com/shop

Merry Christmas

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Struggling to obtain your usual pre-thickened ONS?

Clinicians and healthcare practitioners across the UK are currently reporting a shortage of their usual pre-thickened oral nutritional supplements.

If you’re experiencing the same frustration, you can prescribe our Slõ Milkshake+ as an alternative.

A pre-thickened powdered ONS provides an easy-to-use, great-tasting solution that flows slõ to deliver the nutritional boost you’re looking for, safely.

Slõ Milkshake+ are presented in handy pre-measured sachets that you mix with fresh whole milk to provide as many calories as a small meal. No lumps, no metallic aftertaste, and no issues around measuring the right amount of thickener.

Available in strawberry, banana and chocolate flavours at IDDSI Level 1, 2 and 3 they provide a safe solution that caters to the tastes and needs of all your dysphagia patients.

Nutrition that flows slo for safer swallowing

Each Milkshake+ is packed with essential nutrients. The + stands for + protein, + calories and + 25 essential vitamins and minerals. And because each pre-measured sachet is mixed with fresh milk straight from the fridge, you can be sure your patients are getting all the nutrition and hydration they need safely, throughout the day.

More protein per ml than any other pre-thickened ONS available!

At Slõ Drinks, we designed our Slõ Milkshakes+ range to be a reliable, quick and great-tasting alternative to traditional pre-thickened ONS.

We’re sure they will be not just a positive alternative other pre-thickened ONS are in short supply, but will become a first choice for many of your patients.

And the good news for you as a clinician is that Slõ Milkshakes+ can be effortlessly prescribed and ordered. Stocked by Alliance Healthcare warehouses across the country; they can be ordered by Hospitals and via prescription using the PIP codes below.

IDDSI Level Strawberry Chocolate Banana
1 4160271 4160289 4176152
2 4007639 4007662 4176145
3 4007647 4007654

 

Your partner in dysphagia care

We understand the challenges you face in maintaining the highest standards of care for dysphagia patients and we’re committed to being part of the solution.

Slõ Drinks is here to support your clinical practice and ensure your patients always have access to the nutrition they need.

For more information, or to begin offering your patients reliable, great-tasting nutrition that flows slõ, you can order samples of Slõ Milkshake+ and find a Data sheet with a full nutritional breakdown here: www.slodrinks.com/clinicians-library

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Enjoyable thickened drinks for dysphagia

Meal and snack times can be difficult for those living with dysphagia and needing thickened drinks.

We all know how important it is to make sure we’re getting the vitamins and nutrients we need to stay healthy, but eating with dysphagia can feel like a chore rather than something to enjoy. It can be worrying, and take a long time to prepare and eat even a small snack.

To overcome this, here at Slõ, we developed Slõ Milkshakes+ to give those living with dysphagia a quick way to provide great-tasting nutritional boost, whenever needed.

The + stands for + protein, + calories, + 25 essential vitamins and minerals. There is enough to make it comparable to the nutrition of a small meal!

Simply select a favourite Slõ Milkshake+ flavour – choose from real strawberry, banana or chocolate – mix with fresh whole milk straight from the fridge, and enjoy a delicious, high-calorie milkshake.

This ease of mixing is important.

It takes a lot of effort to make a thickened drink with “Clear” thickeners that come in tubs. Consequently, you won’t see any lumps in a Slõ Milkshake+. It will never go to thick and there will be no funny after-taste. They will taste good; feel smooth, rich and creamy to drink.

Don’t worry about drinking it all in one go – it’ll keep in the fridge all day, so sips can be taken as little or as often as needed – or worry about finding cupboard space for a month’s worth of pre-made thickened drinks or a huge tin of thickening agent – our sachets are easy to store and contain the right amount of thickener for one nutritious milkshake.

Slõ Milkshake+ comes in IDDSI Levels 1, 2 and 3 to suit your needs, and can be delivered straight to your door. To order just go to Slo Milkshake+ Strawberry – 14/28 Sachets – Slõ Drinks (slodrinks.com) You can also order other flavours from there.

 

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Thickened ONS that deliver nutrition and taste good

Meals and snacks can be a source of anxiety or distress for patients with dysphagia. Not only can eating cause them concerns around possible aspiration and choking, it can often take hours out of the patient’s and their carer’s day, drastically reducing the amount of time they spend on activities that improve their quality of life.

For some patients, this will mean they choose to forego important meals entirely.

As you know, it’s crucial for patients with dysphagia to maintain a good intake of vital vitamins, minerals, calories and other nutrients. Thickening agents and thickened ONS products form an important part of your patient care plans, helping you ensure those under your care are hydrated and are receiving all the essential nutrition they need.

For patients, however, large tins of traditional thickening agent can often be an additional cause of stress. Because dysphagia often affects those with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, strokes, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, measuring the right dose for each drink can be difficult. It can be messy, upsetting and cause distress.

It’s little wonder so many patients aren’t particularly happy to see thickened ONS drinks and thickening agents on their prescriptions.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve designed our Slõ Milkshakes+ to challenge the limitations that come with using “Clear” thickeners and give you a handy, tasty alternative for your dysphagia patient care planning.

Our thickened milkshake powder comes in helpful sachets of pre-measured doses, delivering delicious nutrition that flo’s slõ to aid safe swallowing while ensuring essentials vitamins, proteins and calories are being consumed.

Slõ Milkshakes+ ONS are made with real strawberries, bananas and cocoa for a premium taste, and are simply mixed with fresh whole milk from the fridge.

This ease of mixing is important. Unlike making a thickened drink with “Clear” thickeners, your patients won’t see any lumps floating on a Slõ Milkshake+. There will be no funny after-taste. They will taste good; feel smooth, rich and creamy to drink whilst giving your patient the nutritional boost they need.

The + stands for +protein, + calories, + 25 vitamins and minerals.

Available in three popular flavours and IDDSI Levels 1-3, Slõ Milkshakes+ can save the NHS practices £14+ per monthly prescription over pre-thickened ready to drink alternatives, while helping you enhance your patient care in an easy-to-use powder.

To find out more about Slõ Milkshakes+ ONS and start recommending them to your patients please email us at support@slodrinks.com.

Alternatively, you can find lots of information in our Clinicians Library and order samples to go direct to your patient by scanning the QR Code below using your phone or going to www.slodrinks.com and at the top of the page click the Clinicians Library button and click on the Sample button or any of the others to find our more.

 

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The first refreshing fizzy thickened drinks

For many patients who live with dysphagia, the summer months can be a dispiriting time.

As you know – it’s important they stay hydrated as the temperature rises, and recommending suitable thickening agents and pre-thickened drinks is a crucial element of the patient’s care plan.

Yet one of the most frustrating aspects of dysphagia, for patients and clinicians, is the limitations it imposes on a patient’s choice of drink. Traditional thickening powders and pre-prepared drinks like milkshakes may help keep patients nourished and hydrated, but they often fall short in terms of providing genuine refreshment.

But on a hot summer’s day, it’s not always simply about staying hydrated – it’s about feeling refreshed.

Our Slõ Soda sachet has been designed to give freedom of choice to patients and clinicians, helping to improve the quality of life for those living with dysphagia and providing genuine refreshment.

A measured sachet of unique thickening agent, Slõ Soda can be added to 200ml of any cold carbonated drink to make it flo slo. It will be safer to swallow and it preserves the bubbles so patients can enjoy their favourite fizzy drink while staying hydrated – safely.

Recent research suggests carbonation itself may positively affect swallowing, promoting the onset of the swallowing reflex earlier than non-carbonated beverages. By thickening fizzy drinks and preserving the carbonation, Slõ Soda helps stimulate saliva production, facilitating the formation of a bolus and the initiation of swallowing, thereby reducing the risk of aspiration.

Slõ Soda’s innovative sachet formulation ensures easy and accurate dosage at home, with IDDSI Levels 1, 2 and 3 available according to each patient’s needs. Clinicians can confidently recommend a drink that safer to swallow and enjoyable to drink during these hot summer months.

To find out more about Slõ Soda and start recommending it to your patients or ask for a sample, email us at support@slodrinks.com ; scan the QR Code below with your phone and ask for a sample by clicking the Sample button or call us on 03452 222 205.

Further reading:
Saiki, A., Yoshimi, K., Nakagawa, K. et al, Effects of thickened carbonated cola in older patients with dysphagia, Sci Rep 12, 22151 (2022).

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The first refreshing fizzy thickened drinks

On a hot summer’s day, when the sun’s beating down from a cloudless sky, there are few things better than finding a spot in the shade to enjoy an ice-cold glass of your favourite fizzy drink.

We’ve all been there. And we all know it’s not just about staying hydrated – it’s about that instant and joyful relief of feeling genuinely refreshed.

But when you’re living with dysphagia, or watching someone you care for struggling with it, these simple pleasures can seem out of reach. There’s a limited range of thickened drinks being available and none you feeling blissfully and joyfully refreshed.

Here at Slõ Drinks, we don’t believe dysphagia should be a barrier to enjoying the simple pleasures drinking – especially fizzy drinks.

We’ve designed our Slõ Soda thickener as an easy-to-use solution to keep you feeling refreshed, whenever you fancy it.

Simply add a sachet to 200ml to a favourite carbonated drink, and it’ll thicken it up and flo slo, making swallowing easy, while preserving those all-important bubbles for a sparkling summertime sip.

Recent research suggests fizzy drinks that have been thickened can actually be easier for dysphagia patients to swallow than thickened non-fizzy ones. The carbonation encourages the swallowing reflex to kick in earlier, making it easier to drink and reducing the risk of choking. That means Slõ Soda makes it easier to stay hydrated, refreshed, and comfortable while drinking.

Slõ Soda comes in IDDSI Levels 1, 2 and 3 to suit your needs. It’s easy to make, and can be delivered straight to your door.

The only thing you need to worry about is which drink you’re going to try first.

To learn more about Slõ Soda and start enjoying your favourite fizzy drinks again, call us on 03452 222 205 or if you would like to try a sample – email us at support@slodrinks.com. We’re here to help you stay refreshed, not just hydrated, this summer.

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When nutrition is a challenge for older persons

For older persons, seniors or the elderly, it can be difficult to eat enough and maintain the nutritional intake required.

This may be because they’re not as active and slowing down. This automatically reduces appetite and only smaller meals are required. Even these may left unfinished as chewing and swallowing is difficult due to conditions affecting the mouth, badly fitting false teeth and/or dysphagia. All make making eating tiring and slow.

To overcome these issues and make nutritional intake enjoyable, we created Slõ Milkshakes+.

No ordinary milkshakes, they provide more nutrition than most meals in a drink. The + stands for: + protein (23g min), + calories (399 max), + essential vitamins and minerals (25); + Acacia Fibre and +Carb 10.

They taste good too. Slõ Milkshakes+ are made with only real ingredients. The Strawberry and Banana contain real strawberries and bananas converted to powders; the chocolate high quality cocoa.

To enhance their taste further, you mix them with cold whole/full cream milk from the fridge. This gives them a fresh taste and makes them feel smooth, rich and creamy to drink.

Slõ Milkshakes+ are from our range of Slõ Drinks created for people that have small appetites and need to drink slo due to having a swallowing difficulty – dysphagia. Developed with the help of dietitians and healthcare professionals, our milkshakes provide an ideal way to supplement and boost nutritional intake of those that struggle to eat a full meal.

You can learn more by clicking here: https://www.slodrinks.com/product/slo-milkshake-strawberry/. Strawberry is a very popular flavour, but you can also purchase Banana and Chocolate from that page or call us on 03452 222 205 to place your order.

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Should dysphagia patients have crushed medications?

Last week on LinkedIn we read about a podcast created by Theresa Richard, an American Speech Pathologist and specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. It discusses medication and the issues for Speech Pathologists (Therapists).

Whilst it has been created for health care professionals, it will give you an insight into how they are trying to improve life for those with dysphagia that can’t swallow their pills. In summary…

It’s well-known Speech Therapists receive a continual flow of referrals when a patient can’t swallow their pills. Typically, the “work around” is to crush or split pills and capsules. However, there are several issues with this.

To name a few… crushing or splitting will affect the bioavailability (effectiveness) of the medication. Time release medication can’t be crushed. It changes the medication into an un-licensed product. If added to food, the food can affect the dissolution of medication, especially yoghurts, jams and ice creams due to their sugar content. Placing medication in foods then creates lots of legal issues.

Theresa doesn’t suggest Speech Therapists turn into the “Medication Police”, it’s more about combining the specialist knowledge of all members of the care team e.g. helping pharmacists understand the impact a patient’s dysphagia diagnosis has on their ability to swallow certain pills; pharmacists helping clinicians to understand the implications crushing and adding medication to food has on its effectiveness.

As a result, alternatives can be found that will ultimately help the patient. It may be switching slow-release medication for a quicker one taken more frequently, use our Pill-Eze: www.pill-eze.com or, as a last resort, switch to a liquid version.

Please do try and listen to the podcast, it really is worth a listen and you listen to it by clicking on this link: https://podcast.theresarichard.com/

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Should dysphagia patients have crushed medications?

Last week on LinkedIn we read about a podcast created by Theresa Richards, an American Speech Pathologist and specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. It discusses medication and the issues for Speech Pathologists (Therapists).

It’s well-known Speech Therapists receive a continual flow of referrals when a patient can’t swallow their pills. Typically, the “work around” is to crush or split pills and capsules. However, there are several issues with this.

To name a few… crushing or splitting will affect the bioavailability (effectiveness) of the medication. Time release medication can’t be crushed. It changes the medication into an un-licensed product. If added to food, the food can affect the dissolution of medication, especially yoghurts, jams and ice creams due to their sugar content. Placing medication in foods then creates lots of legal issues.

Theresa doesn’t suggest Speech Therapists turn into the “Medication Police” or learn about the pharmaceutical properties of medication and spend hours studying the NEWT Guidelines (www.newtguidelines.com).

It’s more about combining the specialist knowledge of all members of the care team e.g. helping pharmacists understand the impact a patient’s dysphagia diagnosis has on their ability to swallow certain pills; pharmacists helping clinicians to understand the implications crushing and adding medication to food has on its effectiveness.

As a result, alternatives can be found that will ultimately help the patient. It may be switching slow-release medication for a quicker one taken more frequently, use our Pill-Eze: www.pill-eze.com or, as a last resort, switch to a liquid version.

Of course, before all this happens it would be useful to establish what swallowing issue a patient has. A team unaffiliated to Theresa created the Pill 5 questionnaire. A series of 5 questions which will determine the level of difficulty a patient has swallowing pills. You can download a copy here: Slõ Pill 5.

Please do try and listen to the podcast, it really is worth a listen and contains lots of valuable information. If you use LinkedIn, just search for “Should dysphagia patients have crushed medications” or Theresa.

If you don’t use it, you can go straight to Theresa’s podcast by clicking the link below. You will also find lots of other interesting podcasts and useful tools on her site:
https://podcast.theresarichard.com/

* NEWT Guidelines. A guide created here in the UK to administration of medication to patients with swallowing problems. Such administration is usually outside the product license.

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New practical training on pureed – dysphagia – diets by dietitians

We recently read about a course that focused on creating pureed diets produced by Dietitian, Rachael Masters. Passionate about nutrition and a keen interest in dysphagia, Rachael wanted to provide a course that provides useful information and practical advice for caterers and people living at home.  

We therefore wanted to share what she has done and this is what Rachael has to say about it…

“Preparing pureed or altered consistency diets can seem overwhelming, making sure it is a safe consistency to eat, appealing and packed with nutrition. Focus on Undernutrition have launched new practical online training to support cooks and carers to develop pureed and altered consistency diets, previously delivered face to face to over 700 cooks. Endorsed by the British Dietetic Association and developed by a Consultant Dietitian, supported by a Speech Therapist and expert dysphagia chefs. 

This accessible training includes masterclasses, practical catering demonstrations for over 20 pureed recipes, before and after confidence and knowledge surveys and course evaluation. The training incorporates downloadable resources, including activity sheets, all the training materials, recipe books with over 30 level 4 pureed recipes. 

The training includes:

  • What is dysphagia
  • What is IDDSI
  • Which foods are suitable for different IDDSI levels
  • Adapting meals to be suitable for each IDDSI level
  • Developing nutritionally balanced menu  
  • Practical videos on over 20 level 4 pureed recipes, including main course, desserts, snacks such as biscuits, scones, sandwiches, afternoon tea.”

To find out more details on Focus on Undernutrition Online training watch https://youtu.be/Hzf8z_pu54w. To purchase the training, email info@focusonundernutrition.co.uk for a registration form to complete.

For further information visit www.focusonundernutrition.co.uk or email info@focusonundernutrition.co.uk

In the meantime, please remember, these meals can be supplemented by our Slõ Milkshakes+ oral nutritional supplement.

A powdered pre-thickened supplement they will boost nutritional intake with a minimum of 23g of protein, 330+ calories and a mix of 25 essential vitamins and minerals.

They also taste good too. Not too sweet and no metallic aftertaste, they also taste fresh made with cold whole milk from the fridge. If you want to use them, they can be bought from our website www.slodrinks.com/shop

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New practical training on pureed – dysphagia – diets by dietitians

We recently read about a course that focused on creating pureed diets produced by Dietitian, Rachael Masters. Passionate about nutrition and a keen interest in dysphagia, Rachael wanted to provide a course that provides useful information and practical advice for caterers and people living at home.

We therefore wanted to share what she has done and this is what Rachael has to say about it…

“Preparing pureed or altered consistency diets can seem overwhelming, making sure it is a safe consistency to eat, appealing and packed with nutrition. Focus on Undernutrition have launched new practical online training to support cooks and carers to develop pureed and altered consistency diets, previously delivered face to face to over 700 cooks. Endorsed by the British Dietetic Association and developed by a Consultant Dietitian, supported by a Speech Therapist and expert dysphagia chefs.

Delivered as two modules, this accessible training includes masterclasses, practical catering demonstrations for over 20 pureed recipes; before and after confidence and knowledge surveys and course evaluation. The training incorporates downloadable resources, including activity sheets, all the training materials, recipe books with over 30 level 4 pureed recipes, coursework and certificate. Both practical and written coursework is required for this course which is uploaded onto the training platform and marked by a dietitian. If completed by a family carer, the coursework can be excluded on request.

The training includes:

  • What is dysphagia
  • What is IDDSI
  • Which foods are suitable for different IDDSI levels
  • Adapting meals to be suitable for each IDDSI level
  • Developing nutritionally balanced menu cycles for level 4 and level 6 diets
  • Completing IDDSI testing
  • Thickening fluids and completing IDDSI flow tests
  • Catering equipment for altered consistency diets (ACD)
  • Practical guidance and demonstrations on preparing ACD and IDDSI testing
  • Practical videos on over 20 level 4 pureed recipes, including main course, desserts, snacks such as biscuits, scones, sandwiches, afternoon tea.
  • Coursework in adapting a menu cycle for level 4 and level 6 diets.

The training is part of the Focus on Undernutrition Catering Course, a six-module course covering menu planning, diabetes, fortified (high calorie/protein) diets, dysphagia, dementia and constipation. The dysphagia modules can be completed as standalone for £100, or part of the whole course for £250.”

To find out more details on Focus on Undernutrition Online training watch https://youtu.be/Hzf8z_pu54w. To purchase the training, email info@focusonundernutrition.co.uk for a registration form to complete.

For further information visit www.focusonundernutrition.co.uk or email info@focusonundernutrition.co.uk

In the meantime, please remember, these meals can be supplemented by our Slõ Milkshakes+ ONS.

A powdered pre-thickened ONS, they will boost nutritional intake with a minimum of 23g of protein, 330+ calories and a mix of 25 essential vitamins and minerals.

They also taste good too. Not too sweet and no metallic aftertaste, they also taste fresh made with cold whole milk from the fridge.

Here in the UK, they are available to prescribe and pip codes are available from the Clinicians Library: www.slodrinks.com/clinicians-library

They can also be bought on our website www.slodrinks.com/shop

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Finding Dysphagia in Four: A simple swallow screen

The signs and symptoms of dysphagia are familiar to Speech and Language Therapists/ Pathologists and Dietitians that see dysphagia patients daily.

However, as you know, outside this sphere there are a huge number of health care professionals that are not. They may be unaware of how dysphagia can impact a patient’s recovery care plan. As a result, a patient may not be receiving the most suitable care.

As you know, dysphagia affects the elderly and with an increasingly elderly population, the incidence of dysphagia will only increase. It would therefore be a good idea to create a simple way to find dysphagia, for those on Acute wards and working in Surgeries and Health centres.

This is something highlighted in a paper we recently read: A New Simple Screening Tool—4QT: Can It Identify Those with Swallowing Problems?

You can read the full paper here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151188/ but to summarize…

“Screening for dysphagia is considered good practice on a stroke ward and for stroke care. However, despite it occurring at the same frequency in frail older adults on an Acute ward, it isn’t screened for.

When you consider that, in addition to strokes, there are 126 conditions that can present with dysphagia as a secondary symptom in older, frail patients, many may have a swallowing difficulty undiagnosed.

There is, therefore, a need to empower frontline medical and nursing staff to screen prior to referral rather than assess peoples’ ability to swallow when they are on the ward.

Consequently, the Paper’s authors reviewed the available literature on screening, other assessment techniques (EAT-10) and conducted a study to develop a shorter swallow screen, the 4 Question Test. (4QT).

This Swallow Screen is highly sensitive but not a specific swallow screen.

It does not replace a Speech and Language Therapists/Pathologists Assessment and does not aim to identify the nature or etiology of any dysphagia present.

Instead, it provides an effortless way for medical and nursing staff, without prior training, to identify people who may have difficulty swallowing and then, if necessary, refer them for a full swallow assessment.

There is the added advantage that, in clinically busy settings and out of hours, there is no need to look for a teaspoon or to establish the time taken to swallow a fixed volume of water.

This Swallow Screen is simple and effective. It does not pretend to be conclusive in identifying the presence of dysphagia. It empowers healthcare professionals to look for it before referring to a Speech Therapy Department.”

We think this is so important and could have a such a huge positive impact on helping dysphagia patients we have sponsored the printing of the cards you see above.

If you think it is important too and want to try them with your colleagues on the ward or in the Community, we will send you some. Just email support@slodrinks.com and let us know how many you need.

All we ask is that you let us know how useful you found them. We will then forward your comments to the authors.

In the meantime, to read the paper in full just click this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151188/

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Finding Dysphagia in Four: A simple swallow screen

The signs and symptoms of dysphagia are familiar to Speech and Language Therapists/ Pathologists and Dietitians that see dysphagia patients daily.

However, as you know, outside this sphere there are a huge number of health care professionals that are not. They may be unaware of how dysphagia can impact a patient’s recovery care plan. As a result, a patient may not be receiving the most suitable care.

As you know, dysphagia affects the elderly and with an increasingly elderly population, the incidence of dysphagia will only increase. It would therefore be a good idea to create a simple way to find dysphagia, for those on Acute wards and working in Surgeries and Health centres.

This is something highlighted in a paper we recently read: A New Simple Screening Tool—4QT: Can It Identify Those with Swallowing Problems?

You can read the full paper here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151188/ but to summarize…

“Screening for dysphagia is considered good practice on a stroke ward and for stroke care. However, despite it occurring at the same frequency in frail older adults on an Acute ward, it isn’t screened for.

When you consider that, in addition to strokes, there are 126 conditions that can present with dysphagia as a secondary symptom in older, frail patients, many may have a swallowing difficulty undiagnosed.

There is, therefore, a need to empower frontline medical and nursing staff to screen prior to referral rather than assess peoples’ ability to swallow when they are on the ward.

Consequently, the Paper’s authors reviewed the available literature on screening, other assessment techniques (EAT-10) and conducted a study to develop a shorter swallow screen, the 4 Question Test. (4QT).

This Swallow Screen is highly sensitive but not a specific swallow screen.

It does not replace a Speech and Language Therapists/Pathologists Assessment and does not aim to identify the nature or etiology of any dysphagia present.

Instead, it provides an effortless way for medical and nursing staff, without prior training, to identify people who may have difficulty swallowing and then, if necessary, refer them for a full swallow assessment.

There is the added advantage that, in clinically busy settings and out of hours, there is no need to look for a teaspoon or to establish the time taken to swallow a fixed volume of water.

This Swallow Screen is simple and effective. It does not pretend to be conclusive in identifying the presence of dysphagia. It empowers healthcare professionals to look for it before referring to a Speech Therapy Department.”

We think this is so important and could have a such a huge positive impact on helping dysphagia patients we have sponsored the printing of the cards you see above.

If you think it is important too and want to try them with your colleagues on the ward or in the Community, we will send you some. Just email support@slodrinks.com and let us know how many you need.

All we ask is that you let us know how useful you found them. We will then forward your comments to the authors.

In the meantime, to read the paper in full just click this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151188/

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The perfect thickened drink

Is a milkshake the perfect thickened drink?

As you know, it’s difficult to stay hydrated with dysphagia. There’s lots of reasons for it, but the main one is people don’t like the texture of thickened drinks.

A glass of juice, a cup of tea or coffee with thickener is strange because it’s not what people expect.

We thought the best way to overcome this was to provide a drink that’s easy to accept. One that is known to be thick – like a milkshake.

Everyone knows milkshakes are thick and are expected to flo slo.

Slõ Milkshakes+ are therefore easy to accept because they are a familiar thickened texture. But they are safer to swallow because they are thickened to IDDSI Levels 1, 2 and 3.

That means you can use them to stay hydrated. They are made with milk which is 87% water.

Plus, they provided much needed nutrition. The + stands for + proteins (min 23g), + calories (399 max) and + vitamins and minerals (25).

Better still, they are enjoyable to drink. The chocolate uses a rich cocoa powder, the strawberry – real strawberry and banana – real banana. They are not too sweet, don’t have a metallic aftertaste and taste fresh, rich and creamy made with whole milk from the fridge.

So could a Slõ Milkshake+ be a perfect drink for dysphagia? It’s an acceptable texture, hydrates, provides nutrition and actually tastes good!

If you would therefore like to try them, you can either buy a whole pack or a sample from us by clicking this link: https://www.slodrinks.com/shop/

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The perfect thickened drink

Is a milkshake the perfect thickened drink?

As you know, dysphagia patients struggle to stay hydrated. There’s lots of reasons for it and one of the main ones is they don’t like the texture of thickened drinks. A glass of juice, a cup of tea or coffee with thickener is strange because it’s not what they expect.

We thought the best way to overcome this was to provide a drink they will easily accept. One they know will be thick – like a milkshake.

Everyone knows milkshakes are thick and your patients expect them to flo slo.

Slõ Milkshakes+ are therefore easily accepted because they are a familiar thickened texture, but safer for your dysphagia patients because they are available at IDDSI Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Having gained acceptance, they will help hydrate your patients. They are made with milk which is 87% water.

Plus they provided much needed nutrition. The + stands for + proteins (min 23g), + calories (399 max) and + vitamins and minerals (25).

Better still, they are enjoyable to drink. The chocolate uses a rich cocoa powder, the strawberry – real strawberry and banana – real banana. They are not too sweet, don’t have a metallic aftertaste and taste fresh, rich and creamy made with whole milk from the fridge.

So could a Slõ Milkshake+ be a perfect drink for dysphagia? It’s an acceptable texture, hydrates, provides nutrition and actually tastes good?

If you would like to see what your patients think, you can prescribe Slõ Milkshakes+ and obtain the all the information you need including PIP Codes by scanning the QR code above or going to https://www.slodrinks.com/clinicians-library/

Scroll down to the Slo Milkshakes+ Data Sheet Button or, if you would like to order a sample first, using the same link scroll down to the Sample Request Button and enter your patient’s details on the encrypted online form.

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Swallowing Assessment Pack for Dysphagia

As you know, every dysphagia patient must have their swallowing difficulty assessed by a Speech and Language Therapist/Pathologist.

However, making thickened drinks that flo slo enough to match all the IDDSI Levels 1, 2 and 3 takes time. To complicate matters, water is preferred for assessment but some patients just don’t like the look of thickener in water or it’s texture.

To help save time and give patients another option, we’ve created an Assessment Pack with our Slõ Milkshakes+.

They are pre-thickened and powdered ONS. Containing a thickener and a flavour, you simply mix with whole milk to reconstitute them to IDDSI Levels 1, 2 or 3.

They won’t thin out or speed up. They will flo slo all day, providing plenty of time for assessment.

Better still, patients won’t see thickened being added; they expect milkshakes to be thicker and they taste good – patients can’t taste the thickener!

The reason for providing Slõ Milkshakes+ is many dysphagia patient may need nutritional supplements.

By assessing with Slõ Milkshakes+, Therapists/ Pathologists know which IDDSI Level the patient needs and the flavour they like.

That can be included in a referral to a Dietitian, shortening the time between a patient’s assessment and them receiving the oral nutritional supplements they need.

To order an Assessment Pack, click the Clinicians Library button at the top of the page. Now in the Library complete your details, request an Assessment Pack and select the flavour you want to use.

We hope you find this service helpful and if you do – please let your colleagues know.

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Dysphagia: A Geriatric Giant?

“Geriatric Giants: A term coined by geriatrician Bernard Isaacs, and the expression refers to the principal chronic disabilities of old age that impact on the physical, mental and social domains of older adults”.

Dysphagia is a big issue. Estimates suggest there are currently over 590,000,000 around the world suffering with it.

As a result, David Smithard from King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust in London (UK) argues that it should be considered a Geriatric Giant. We completely agree and so have put the Abstract and Introduction from his paper below.

We would highly recommending reading the full and original article which you can read on line by clicking this link: https://medical-clinical-reviews.imedpub.com/dysphagia-a-geriatric-giant.php?aid=8373

Abstract

With increasing age there are changes to the physiology of all aspects of swallowing. Despite these changes, the majority of older people will swallow safely. With increasing frailty the number of people presenting with dysphagia increases either in the presence of acute illness or with co morbidity; with significant number living in institutions.

The aetiology of dysphagia is multiple and is associated with increased dependency and mortality and as such dysphagia meets the criteria to be classified as a geriatric syndrome or giant. This paper presents the case for dysphagia to be recognised as a geriatric giant.

Introduction

The worldwide population is increasing, such that it is predicted that there will be 2 billion over the age of 65 years by 2050; the greatest proportional increase will be in those over the age of 85 years.

Accompanying this will be an increase In people living longer with long term conditions and a consequent increase in frail older people.

Old age is frequently accompanied by many long-term conditions that affect health. Many old people will have multiple long-term conditions (e.g. ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, dementia).

Dysphagia, difficulty in swallowing, will accompany many long term conditions and may be latent in many frail older people, and is associated with increasing dependency and death. The time has come to fully recognise dysphagia as a Geriatric Giant /Syndrome.

To be recognised as a Geriatric Syndrome/Giant dysphagia [1] has to meet accepted recognised criteria below. This short paper will outline the reasons why it should be considered thus.

Factor for Geriatric Giant Dysphagia
Age ✓
Symptom ✓
Cognitive Function (✓)
Functional Impairment (✓)
Common ✓
Multifactorial ✓
Morbidity ✓
Outcome ✓

You can read on line by clicking this link: https://medical-clinical-reviews.imedpub.com/dysphagia-a-geriatric-giant.php?aid=8373

Posted on by

Dysphagia: A Geriatric Giant?

“Geriatric Giants: A term coined by geriatrician Bernard Isaacs, and the expression refers to the principal chronic disabilities of old age that impact on the physical, mental and social domains of older adults”.

Dysphagia is a big issue. Estimates suggest there are currently over 590,000,000 around the world suffering with it.

As a result, David Smithard from King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust in London (UK) argues that it should be considered a Geriatric Giant. We completely agree and so have put the Abstract and Introduction from his paper below.

We would highly recommending reading the full and original article which you can read on line by clicking this link: https://medical-clinical-reviews.imedpub.com/dysphagia-a-geriatric-giant.php?aid=8373

Abstract

With increasing age there are changes to the physiology of all aspects of swallowing. Despite these changes, the majority of older people will swallow safely. With increasing frailty the number of people presenting with dysphagia increases either in the presence of acute illness or with co morbidity; with significant number living in institutions.

The aetiology of dysphagia is multiple and is associated with increased dependency and mortality and as such dysphagia meets the criteria to be classified as a geriatric syndrome or giant. This paper presents the case for dysphagia to be recognised as a geriatric giant.

Introduction

The worldwide population is increasing, such that it is predicted that there will be 2 billion over the age of 65 years by 2050; the greatest proportional increase will be in those over the age of 85 years.

Accompanying this will be an increase In people living longer with long term conditions and a consequent increase in frail older people.

Old age is frequently accompanied by many long-term conditions that affect health. Many old people will have multiple long-term conditions (e.g. ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, dementia).

Dysphagia, difficulty in swallowing, will accompany many long term conditions and may be latent in many frail older people, and is associated with increasing dependency and death. The time has come to fully recognise dysphagia as a Geriatric Giant /Syndrome.

To be recognised as a Geriatric Syndrome/Giant dysphagia [1] has to meet accepted recognised criteria below. This short paper will outline the reasons why it should be considered thus.

Factor for Geriatric Giant Dysphagia
Age ✓
Symptom ✓
Cognitive Function (✓)
Functional Impairment (✓)
Common ✓
Multifactorial ✓
Morbidity ✓
Outcome ✓

You can read on line by clicking this link: https://medical-clinical-reviews.imedpub.com/dysphagia-a-geriatric-giant.php?aid=8373