Table 2.

Recommendations to achieve optimal nutritional care in OD* management

Potential ways to improve nutritional care in nursing home residents

Perform screening and periodic reassessments of both dysphagia and the risk of malnutrition, and dehydration (23, 24)

Plan and conduct multimodal interventions and rehabilitation (25, 25)

Support the communication between the multidisciplinary team and dysphagia clinician regarding the recommendations and nutritional treatment plans (17)

Involve a dietitian and food service manager to plan and provide a diet that meets nutritional needs.

Assist residents with exercise (e.g. mobility interventions); this is frequently recommended with nutritional interventions with the aim to improve strength and decrease frailty (26, 27)

Provide specialized nutrition support as required (28, 29)

Perform a regular medication review, with the aim of reducing medications that can negatively impact appetite or alertness. Also perform a periodic training review for emergency situations, such as a case of aspiration and acute dyspnea due to OD

Ensure that there is at least one licensed supervisor present during mealtimes to oversee mealtime care quality, monitor symptoms of OD, and respond to acute needs.

*OD, oropharyngeal dysphagia