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112 JCPSLP Volume 17, Number 2 2015 Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
8 The Dysphagia Cookbook
The Dysphagia Cookbook (Achilles, 2004) is an excellent
resource to recommend to families and kitchen chefs who
are interested in preparing creative modified meals.
9 Basic communication boards
We find it useful to have copies of laminated letter-based,
number-based and “yes/no” type communication boards
on hand. These have proven useful when clients, family
members, carers or health professionals have expressed an
interest in exploring AAC options. A small whiteboard and
whiteboard markers have also proven useful.
10 Patience, kindness, compassion,
and adaptability
Similar to working with other population groups in speech
pathology, working with older persons can be at times
challenging and varied. As a practice we have found that
remaining patient, using kindness, and being ready to
expect the unexpected have provided us with a foundation
to form a strong rapport with our clients.
The patience to sit quietly with someone and hear their
story or assist with their meal will reap rewards, both for
the client and the therapist. This is especially poignant
when working in end-of-life care. Being compassionate
and realistic while still supporting the client and family is
essential in this setting.
Maintaining a sense of humour and a genuine interest in
another person’s life journey enables us to make a positive
and important impact in the lives of the elderly people we
meet each day.
References
Achilles, E., (2004). The dysphagia cookbook. Nashville,
TN: Cumberland House Publishing.
Bilik-Thompson, L. (2004). WALC 6 Functional language.
East Moline, IL: LinguiSystems.
Gangale, D. C. (2001). The source for oral-facial
exercises updated and expanded. East Moline, IL:
LinguiSystems.
Lazzai, A. M. & Peters, P. M. (1987). Handbook of
exercises for language processing. East Moline, IL:
LingiSystems.
Reese, P. B. (2000). The source for Alzheimer’s &
dementia. East Moline, IL: LinguiSystems.
Schwartz, S. K. (2004). The source for voice disorders
adolescent and adult. East Moline, IL: LinguiSystems.
Swigert, N. B. (2007). The source for dysphagia, 3rd ed.
East Moline, IL: LinguiSystems.
Swigert, N. B. (2010). The source for dysarthria, 2nd ed.
East Moline, IL: LinguiSystems.
Tomlin, K. J. (2007). WALC 1 Aphasia rehab. East Moline,
IL: LinguiSystems.
Tomlin, K. J. (2007). WALC 8 Word finding. East Moline,
IL: LinguiSystems.
Tomlin, K. J. (2007). WALC 10 Memory. East Moline, IL:
LinguiSystems.
4 A “word-finding kit”
This could include a collection of good-quality picture and
photo cards and a collection of common objects (e.g., key,
pen, comb, toothbrush, watch, spoon) all kept in a
snap-lock bag. We commonly use such a kit for both
assessment and therapy of language.
5 Good general knowledge
Good general knowledge about current affairs, sporting
news, old movies, songs and actors from the bygone era;
historical and cultural events which we can draw on to
enhance conversations with our clients and which also form
an important part of assessment and therapy.
6 A well-stocked “swallowing kit”
Correspondence to:
Dr Jill Lesic
Dr Jill Lesic & Associates Speech Pathology
3/976 Riversdale Road, Surrey Hills, Vic, 3127
phone: 1300 821 148; 03 9836 8542
email:
website:
The contents of a standard swallowing kit could include:
• tub of puree (x1)
• tub of diced fruit (x1)
• thickener sachets
• plastic spoons
• plastic cups
• small plastic containers (for holding the fruit and puree
once the tubs have been opened)
• disposable gloves, small mirror and tongue depressor
• small pen torch for oral inspection
• slice of bread in a snap lock bag
• small savoury biscuits in a snap lock bag (e.g., Savoy
buscuits)
• a banana in a snap lock bag (bananas are versatile as
they can be used to assess swallowing of soft solids,
mashed foods and smooth puree)
• a small cooler bag to store all the items
• samples of mucosa and denture treatments (e.g.,
Biotene and Polident).
7 Up-to-date information about diet
and fluid categories, and associated
handouts to provide to facilities and
families
Companies such as “Flavour Creations” and “Nestlé” are a
good source of information and educational material. We
find that having a good relationship with the representatives
of such companies is very useful should we have
complicated questions about thickeners or require samples.
We also have produced a series of handouts for clients,
which are used regularly to inform families and facilities of
appropriate options concerning specific diet categories.