Always remember when using these resources
- Please do not change IDDSI food/fluid texture levels without Speech and Language Therapy support.
- Do not use these resources if a resident is currently active with Speech and Language Therapy.
- Any changes made to a person’s eating and drinking support need to be made with their consent. If the person lacks the capacity to consent to a decision, the best interests process must be followed. Best interests decisions must follow the legal principle of the least restrictive option. This must be taken into consideration at every stage of this self-management process.
Welcome to our Speech and Language Therapy self-management resources for people with Learning Disabilities living in care homes in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
This process needs to be completed before a referral to Speech and Language Therapy for eating and drinking is considered.
These resources are for people with a Learning Disability living in care homes, who are having difficulties with eating and drinking. For resources for people without a learning disability, please see the Speech and Language Therapy mainstream swallowing resources page.
How to use this resource pack
- Download or print the questionnaire. Read the instructions on the front page and write the answers to the questions. If you have downloaded it, make sure you save the completed copy as the website will not save your answers.
- Recommendations are provided for any questions that you answer ‘Yes’ to. This could be an advice/information sheet or a diary.
- Once you have completed the process, fill in the Care Provider Swallow Care Plan.
- If you have managed the issue without needing further Speech and Language Therapy support, ensure the plan is kept in the person’s record. This resource will guide you in making safe and appropriate management decisions. It will show your reasons for making any changes to their eating and drinking support plan, as well as providing evidence for CQC inspections.
- If the issue is not resolved and further Speech and Language Therapy support is required, email the completed Care provider swallow care plan to: sirona.bcldtadviceline@nhs.net
Please note that the links to documents in the questionnaire will take you back to this homepage rather than directly to the document. All the documents referenced in the questionnaire can be accessed directly via the links below.
See our resources for care homes completing the initial questionnaire
Assistance for physical difficulties
Assistance for cognitive difficulties
End of Life (EOL) considerations
Food swallow diary and suggestions
International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) 4
International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) 5
International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) 6
International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) 7
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists thickener advice
