Caregiver in Gainesville GA

Dysphagia is a condition that makes it very difficult for older adults to swallow foods or liquids. It could cause them to suffer from malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, or dehydration. Watching someone with Dysphagia eat a meal can be a scary experience. Someone with this condition will need to constantly be monitored by caregivers in order to make sure they are healthy. If you are wondering if this is a condition your loved one has, here is some information that will help you find out.

Symptoms

Having problems swallowing every once in a while may not be the result of Dysphagia. However, if they have more than one of the following symptoms, it is time to talk to their doctor.

• Problems swallowing food or drinks
• Choking on liquids, medication, or food
• Coughing while drinking or eating
• Voice makes gurgling sound, especially after eating or drinking
• Drooling

If you are not able to observe your loved one while they eat, you can ask them or their caregiver the following questions to find out if they could have Dysphagia.

• Does the elder complain about food going down their throat the “wrong way”?
• Do they choke or cough after eating or drinking?
• Does it feel like food is constantly getting stuck in their throat?
• How long does it take for the elder to eat a meal?
• Do they find less joy in eating their favorite foods?
• Has the elder recently lost weight without trying?

Causes

If some your loved one is going through some of the previous symptoms, there are a number of reasons they could have developed Dysphagia. Some possible causes include:

• Having acid reflux disease or GERD
• Not taking care of their teeth or having dentures that do not fit properly
• Stroke
• Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive disorders
• Cancer of the throat, mouth, or esophagus
• Weakening of the throat or mouth muscles, which typically occurs with age
• Certain medications

It can be extremely scary watching a loved one go through this condition. If you are concerned that your parent has developed Dysphagia, the best thing you can do for them is talking to their doctor immediately. You and the senior will then be able to discuss possible reasons for your loved one’s symptoms, as well as treatment options. Do not wait too long to inform the doctor of the elder’s condition. The longer you wait, the worse their symptoms may become. Hopefully this information will give you an idea of whether or not your loved one has Dysphagia.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregiver services in Gainesville, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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