My father-in-law has difficulties in swallowing after stroke last year. His body condition is weakening. Any suggestions on helping him eat to improve his health?
Diet and care after stroke
- Always follow the feeding advice from the speech therapist on discharge from the hospital
- Cook his favorite food and cut it into small pieces
- Select food soft in texture for ease of swallowing
- Use appropriate utensil like a smaller spoon for eating. Let him take one bite after the other upon complete swallowing.
- If feeding is required, ask him to sit upright to eat
- If choking occurs, let him clear his throat first, then continue to eat
- If you find him cough, choke, or has phlegm in his throat, which interrupts his eating, consult an occupational therapist or a speech therapist for further evaluation and advice.
- Strengthen his mouth muscles and improve his chewing ability.
- Observe if he is having other complications such as pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.
- Accompany him to visit doctor periodically to monitor his health condition.
