Swallowing/ Dysphagia

Philosophy:

• Provide clients and their families with education and management strategies to address swallowing disorders.
• Provide safe and adequate nutritional intake while providing human dignity, promoting self-respect and quality of life.
• Provide a supportive environment, encourage awareness and use of swallowing strategies to promote functional skills within his/her environment(s).

Description:

• Swallowing is something we do many times a day. It plays a major role in many of our daily activities. When an accident or illness occurs, swallowing abilities can become impaired.
• Dysphagia is a term used to describe swallowing problems.
• Dysphagia can occur as the result of disease, illness, or trauma.
• Swallowing therapy is provided individually for a minimum of two 50-minute sessions per week.
• Individual treatment sessions focus on establishing treatment goals to address the unique needs of each client.
• Service delivery includes:
  • Screening
  • Clinical assessment
  • Referral for instrumental/diagnostic assessment
  • Management
  • Treatment
  • Discharge planning

Program Goal(s):

• Improve swallowing skills to least restrictive diet minimizing aspiration risk
• Educate and train the client and family in dysphagia
• Improve use of swallowing strategies to increase safety with oral intake

Schedule:

• The Youngerman Center Clinic operates from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday during the University Academic Calendar.

Contact Information:

• Melissa Sidor, Clinic Director (716) 673-3203

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