Course Description:

This Dysphagia Awareness training course is designed for carers, healthcare professionals, and support staff to develop essential knowledge and skills to support individuals experiencing swallowing difficulties. The course focuses on understanding the causes, recognising the signs, and implementing practical strategies to ensure safe and dignified care.

Learners will explore the anatomy of swallowing, how to reduce the risk of choking, and when to escalate concerns to a specialist. The course also highlights the importance of maintaining privacy, dignity, and respect while providing care, as well as exploring alternatives to oral feeding.

Topics include:

• The causes of dysphagia and common swallowing problems.
• The anatomy of swallowing and how it functions.
• How to recognise when someone is experiencing swallowing difficulties.
• Practical strategies to reduce the risk of choking and ensure safe eating and drinking.
• When to escalate concerns and refer individuals to specialist support services.
• The importance of delivering care with privacy, dignity, and respect.
• Alternatives to oral feeding for individuals with severe dysphagia.