Dysphagia is a complex challenge in long-term care, affecting an estimated 84 to 93 percent of residents with moderate to severe dementia. As Canada’s aging population grows, the prevalence of dysphagia in long-term care facilities will continue to rise.
When left unmanaged, dysphagia can lead to serious complications, including aspiration, malnutrition, dehydration, and a significantly reduced quality of life. Effective management requires a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach.
This page serves as a centralized resource hub to access evidence-based tools and guidance curated from a variety of sources.
Minimizing risks, maximizing quality of life for residents
By Bushra Hashmi, RD
In long-term care facilities the goals of dysphagia care vary based on each resident’s preferences and involve balancing potential interventions with their likely benefits.
Management strategies may include diet modifications, postural adjustments, oral care, and feeding techniques to help residents eat and drink safely.
Regardless of the strategy is undertaken, it is important to note that the primary aim of any dysphagia management protocol is to maximize quality of life while minimizing risk and discomfort. Goals of care should be discussed with the resident, family, and interdisciplinary team, and reviewed regularly as the disease progresses.
Did you know the Abbotsford Primary Care Network provides registered dietician service?
The Abbotsford Primary Care Network connects family physicians and nurse practitioners with a broader team of allied health processionals, including clinical pharmacists, chronic conditions nurse, clinical counsellor, social workers and registered dietitians, so eligible patients can benefit from a range of health experts and services without incurring financial burden or other barriers to care.
How registered dietitians help manage dysphagia
In long-term-care setting, registered dietitians (RDs) work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists to review care goals for residents experiencing dysphagia. In many cases, RDs can help with:
- Conducting individual assessment of each resident’s specific nutritional needs, clinical conditions and personal preferences.
- Recommending texture-modified diets and tailored fluid consistencies, based on the resident’s individual swallowing abilities.
- Balancing safety and quality of life through evidence-based nutritional plans.
Connect with our PCN team to find out how our registered dietitian can help with your patient needs.
More clinical resources
Management of Swallowing Difficulties in Long-term Care
A decision support tool provided by Fraser Health
More helpful links
Managing eating, chewing and swallowing difficulties in care facilities – HealthLinkBC
Prevalence, risk factors and complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older patients with dementia – Nutrients
Inter-professional palliative symptom management guidelines – BC Centre for Palliative Care
Exploring Dysphagia Assessment and Management in Canadian Primary Care. A Clinical Practice Survey – Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice, March 2025
Speech language pathology services for improving swallowing and communication difficulties related to cancer – BC Cancer