Safer, more comfortable mealtimes.
Practical swallowing assessment, mealtime planning, training and recommendations for children, adults and older Australians experiencing swallowing difficulties.
Understanding swallowing and mealtime needs.
Swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, can affect people of any age. They may change how safely or comfortably a person eats, drinks, takes medication or participates in mealtimes.
Our clinicians assess the person’s individual needs and work with their support network to develop practical strategies for everyday settings.
A review may be helpful when someone:
- Coughs, chokes or becomes distressed while eating or drinking
- Needs modified food or fluid textures
- Has changes in eating, drinking, swallowing or mealtime behaviour
- Needs a new or updated Mealtime Management Plan
- Has changes in health, medication, support needs or daily routine
Support across different ages and needs.
This service may suit NDIS participants and private clients with diagnosed or suspected swallowing concerns, including people with complex health and support needs.
Children
Support for feeding, drinking and swallowing concerns that affect safety, comfort, participation or daily routines.
Adults
Assessment and practical recommendations for people whose disability, health or support needs affect mealtimes.
Older Australians
Support where ageing, illness or changes in function have affected eating, drinking or swallowing.
Clear assessment, planning and practical support.
Each service is tailored to the participant’s needs. Recommendations are designed to be understood and used by the people supporting them day to day.
Swallowing assessment
A detailed review of eating, drinking and swallowing to identify risks, strengths and areas requiring support.
Mealtime Management Plan
A clear plan outlining safe positioning, food and fluid textures, pacing, equipment, supervision and mealtime strategies.
Training for support teams
Practical education for families, carers and support workers so strategies are understood and followed consistently.
Reports and recommendations
Professional documentation that brings together the assessment findings, risks, recommendations and required supports.
Video, reviews and follow-up
Where clinically appropriate, the service may include video guidance and follow-up reviews to support implementation and respond to changes.
Positivity, professionalism and practicality.
Our team works collaboratively with participants and their support networks, including Support Coordinators, families, carers and other health professionals.
A straightforward referral process.
Submit the referral
Share the participant’s details and the reason for the swallowing or mealtime referral.
We review the needs
Our intake team reviews the information and contacts the relevant person to discuss next steps.
Assessment
The clinician completes the assessment and gathers information from the participant and support network.
Plan and support
We provide the agreed plan, report, recommendations, training and follow-up support.
Helpful information before referring.
Who can make a referral?
A Support Coordinator, family member, carer, health professional or the participant can submit the referral form.
Does a person need a confirmed dysphagia diagnosis?
No. A referral may be appropriate where swallowing difficulties are suspected or where changes have been noticed during meals.
How often should a Mealtime Management Plan be reviewed?
Plans are commonly reviewed yearly, or sooner when there are changes in health, swallowing, food or fluid needs, medication, supports or daily routine.
Can you support complex cases?
Yes. AHSP works collaboratively across complex cases and considers the participant’s broader health, communication, functional and support needs.
How quickly can the service be completed?
AHSP aims for a three-week turnaround, subject to clinician availability, access to required information and the complexity of the assessment.
Help make mealtimes safer and better supported.
Complete the referral form and the AHSP intake team will be in touch to discuss the participant’s needs and the next steps.