Self-perception and clinical presentation of eating and swallowing abilities in elderly residents of residential care facilities

Abstract

PURPOSE : To describe the self-perception and clinical presentation of eating and swallowing abilities amongst the elderly who reside in residential care facilities. METHOD : Forty-four participants (mean age=80 years) were included in this comparative within-subject study. Participants were assessed using an oropharyngeal dysphagia assessment protocol. A cognitive screener, the Saint Louis University Mental Status examination was used when the level of cognitive impairment was unknown. The oropharyngeal dysphagia protocol included a medical history review, administration of the Eating Abilities Test – 10, the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Abilities, and the three-ounce water swallow challenge of the Yale Swallow Protocol. RESULTS : Twenty-one of 44 (n=21; 48%) participants indicated an overall self-perceived concern for oropharyngeal dysphagia when reporting within the Eating Abilities Test – 10. Evidence of compensatory eating behaviours, without receiving therapeutic intervention, were found. A negative, low correlation was present between the Eating Abilities Test – 10 and the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Abilities (r=-0.306, p<0.05) scores. CONCLUSIONS : Individuals who perceived eating and swallowing difficulties, demonstrated fewer clinical symptoms possibly due to self-mediated compensatory techniques. It is essential to integrate patient-reported outcome measures with clinical assessments for oropharyngeal dysphagia in residential care facilities. Collaboration between facilities’ staff and external professionals, such as speech-language therapists, could ensure timely interventions for dysphagia treatment.