Dysphagia in Older Adults: Practical Approaches for SLPs

Many older adults experience swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, which can significantly impact their health and quality of life. As a speech-language pathologist, understanding the complexities of geriatric swallowing is crucial for providing effective, patient-centered care. This course provides speech-language pathologists with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently assess, diagnose, and manage dysphagia in older adults, ensuring safer eating and improved well-being for their patients. What you'll learn: * Understand the normal aging process and its specific impact on swallowing function. * Identify common causes, risk factors, and signs of dysphagia in the geriatric population. * Apply systematic clinical assessment techniques for evaluating swallowing disorders. * Interpret key findings from instrumental assessments to inform evidence-based treatment plans. * Develop and implement a range of intervention strategies for dysphagia management. * Practice effective communication and collaboration with interprofessional healthcare teams and patients for holistic care. * Advise patients and caregivers on safe swallowing strategies and lifestyle modifications. The course begins with foundational concepts of geriatric swallowing anatomy and physiology, progresses through clinical assessment methodologies, and concludes with evidence-based intervention strategies and collaborative care models. This course is designed for aspiring and practicing speech-language pathologists new to geriatric care, or those seeking to refresh their foundational knowledge in dysphagia management. No prior experience with dysphagia in older adults is required. Begin your journey to confidently support older adults with swallowing difficulties.