Helping You Swallow Safely, Eat Comfortably, and Regain Confidence — All From Home
Swallowing may seem simple — but it’s actually a highly complex function involving over 30 muscles and multiple nerves working in harmony. When something goes wrong in this system, it can lead to dysphagia — difficulty swallowing. Whether caused by stroke, surgery, neurological conditions, or aging, dysphagia can compromise nutrition, hydration, respiratory health, and overall quality of life.
That’s why Freida Home Care offers in-home swallowing therapy, delivered by licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who specialize in oral motor therapy. We treat swallowing issues holistically — helping patients regain control of their muscles, rebuild safe swallowing patterns, and feel confident during mealtimes once again.
What Is Swallowing Therapy?
Swallowing therapy is a specialized branch of speech-language pathology focused on assessing, treating, and rehabilitating the muscles and reflexes involved in swallowing. It is commonly used to treat oropharyngeal dysphagia, which occurs when a person has difficulty moving food or liquid from the mouth to the throat (pharynx) and into the esophagus.
The therapy combines oral motor exercises, postural techniques, diet modification, and neuromuscular stimulation to:
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Prevent choking and aspiration
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Promote safe and efficient swallowing
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Improve coordination of the lips, tongue, jaw, and throat
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Restore the joy of eating and drinking
The Freida Home Care Difference
Not all swallowing therapy is created equal. What sets Freida Home Care apart is our commitment to restoring dignity through function, our licensed speech-language pathologists, and our gold-standard approach to in-home oral motor therapy—focused on safety, independence, and compassionate care without compromise.
1. Compassionate, Credentialed Speech-Language Pathologists
At Freida Home Care, our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are not only state-licensed and clinically trained—they are chosen for their empathy, communication skills, and ability to guide patients and families through the challenges of dysphagia (swallowing disorders). We don’t just treat symptoms—we empower individuals to regain confidence and control at their own pace.
2. Personalized In-Home Swallowing Therapy Plans
We tailor every therapy plan to the patient’s unique swallowing needs, medical conditions, and goals. Whether recovering from a stroke, neurological injury, or progressive illness, our in-home therapy includes exercises to strengthen oral motor muscles, promote safe eating and drinking, and restore function while respecting the individual’s preferences and comfort level.
3. Reliable Support—Day and Night
Our care doesn’t stop when the session ends. Families can reach out to our team for questions, adjustments to the therapy plan, or urgent support—24/7. Whether it’s a feeding concern, choking incident, or therapy update, Freida Home Care ensures immediate, compassionate response when it matters most.
4. Coordination and Continuity of Care
We communicate closely with your primary care provider, neurologist, and other specialists to ensure every aspect of care is aligned. From modifying diets and recommending assistive feeding devices to integrating with existing rehab services, Freida Home Care guarantees coordinated, evidence-based care at every step.
What Causes Swallowing Disorders?
Swallowing difficulties can arise from a wide range of medical conditions, including:
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Stroke
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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Parkinson’s disease
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
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ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
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Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
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Head and neck cancer treatments
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Cerebral palsy (in children and adults)
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Aging-related muscle atrophy
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):
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Nearly 9 million Americans experience swallowing problems annually
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Up to 50% of stroke survivors experience dysphagia
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Around 60-70% of patients with Parkinson’s disease develop swallowing difficulties
Without proper therapy, dysphagia can lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, and social isolation.
Signs You or Your Loved One May Need Swallowing Therapy
Swallowing problems can be subtle or obvious. Watch for:
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Coughing or throat clearing while eating
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Wet or gurgly voice during or after meals
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Food or liquid leaking from the mouth
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Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat
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Frequent pneumonia or chest infections
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Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
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Avoidance of certain food textures
A referral to an SLP is often made by a physician, neurologist, or gastroenterologist after clinical signs appear or a modified barium swallow (MBS) study confirms dysphagia.
Treatment Planning and Goal Setting
At Freida Home Care, we believe every individual’s swallowing therapy journey should be approached with respect, compassion, and precision. That’s why each swallowing therapy care plan is carefully designed to address the client’s medical needs, functional goals, and quality of life. These plans are regularly reviewed and adapted as progress is made or new challenges arise.
Each swallowing therapy care plan may include:
Frequency of Visits
Scheduled sessions with speech-language pathologists or trained swallowing therapists—customized to the client’s diagnosis, therapy goals, and progress.
Swallowing Exercises and Strengthening Protocols
Targeted techniques and exercises to improve muscle coordination, reduce aspiration risks, and enhance safe swallowing.
Dietary and Texture Modifications
Recommendations for meal texture adjustments, fluid thickness, and portion strategies to ensure safety and comfort during eating and drinking.
Positioning and Postural Techniques
Guidance on proper positioning during meals to reduce choking risks and improve swallowing efficiency.
Family and Caregiver Education
Training for caregivers on meal preparation, safe feeding methods, and recognizing signs of swallowing difficulties or aspiration.
Coordination with Physicians and Specialists
Collaboration with primary care providers, ENT specialists, or gastroenterologists to ensure the therapy plan supports overall medical treatment.
Equipment and Adaptive Tools
Recommendations for adaptive utensils, cups, or assistive devices designed to improve mealtime safety and independence.
Progress and Quality of Life Benchmarks
Instead of focusing only on mechanical swallowing, we track real-world improvements—such as reduced coughing during meals, increased food enjoyment, and safe hydration levels.
Swallowing therapy care plans are living documents. They evolve alongside the client’s needs, whether that means advancing to new exercises, adjusting dietary recommendations, or incorporating additional therapies. At Freida Home Care, we view the plan as a personalized roadmap to safer, more confident eating and drinking.
Freida Home Care has specialist who will call you immediately and setup a phone consultation with a licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
How Freida Home Care Conducts Swallowing Therapy
Our swallowing therapy follows a structured, personalized process:
1. Initial Evaluation
Our SLP visits your home to conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
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Medical and swallowing history
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Observation during meals or simulated eating
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Oral mechanism exam (jaw, lips, tongue, soft palate)
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Screening for aspiration risk
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Discussion of dietary preferences and restrictions
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Review of recent imaging studies (if available)
2. Personalized Plan of Care
We build a swallowing therapy plan based on:
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Swallowing safety and aspiration risk
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Level of oral control and coordination
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Texture modifications needed
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Long-term and short-term goals
3. Ongoing Treatment
Each therapy session may include:
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Oral motor exercises to strengthen lips, tongue, and jaw
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Effortful swallows, Masako maneuvers, or Mendelsohn techniques
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Thermal-tactile stimulation to improve timing and reflex
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Postural adjustments (chin tuck, head turn, upright positioning)
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Diet coaching and meal pacing strategies
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Breathing and swallowing coordination training
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Education on feeding tools (adaptive utensils, straws, cups)
Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes and are scheduled 1–3 times per week based on medical necessity.
Freida Home Care has specialist who will call you immediately and setup a phone consultation with a licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
Pediatric Swallowing Therapy
We work with children who have feeding and swallowing issues due to congenital or acquired conditions. Our pediatric swallowing therapy includes:
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Play-based oral motor development
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Caregiver coaching and feeding observation
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Safe bottle or spoon feeding techniques
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Positioning during mealtimes
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Transition support for g-tube to oral feeding
We collaborate with pediatricians, occupational therapists, and nutritionists to ensure comprehensive care.
Geriatric and Adult Swallowing Therapy
Swallowing therapy in adults often addresses:
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Age-related sarcopenia (muscle weakening)
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Swallowing after stroke or surgery
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Decline from neuro-degenerative conditions
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Decreased awareness of aspiration
For these patients, therapy improves:
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Nutritional intake
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Communication with healthcare providers
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Confidence in eating socially
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Prevention of hospitalization from aspiration pneumonia
We provide clear documentation for families, primary care providers, and long-term care facilities when needed.
Tools and Techniques Used
Our SLPs use clinical tools such as:
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Oral motor resistance tools
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Lollipops or frozen spoons for stimulation
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Food trials with graded texture modification
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Mirror feedback and videofeedback for positioning
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EMST (Expiratory Muscle Strength Training) tools (if prescribed)
Caregiver and Family Involvement
We believe family involvement is critical. Freida Home Care includes caregivers in every aspect of swallowing therapy:
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Training on safe feeding practices
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Heimlich maneuver and CPR awareness
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Tracking food intake and hydration logs
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Coaching on adaptive mealtime behaviors
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Understanding aspiration signs and what to do
When to Begin Swallowing Therapy
You should request swallowing therapy if:
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You or your loved one struggles to eat safely
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You’re recovering from a neurological event or surgery
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There’s weight loss, frequent coughing, or recurrent pneumonia
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You’ve been told to follow a modified diet and need help
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You’re caring for someone who avoids meals or chokes often
Insurance and Payment Support
Swallowing therapy may be covered under:
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Medicare Part B (with SLP referral)
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Private health insurance
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Medicaid (varies by state)
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Private pay and sliding-scale options
Our office handles verification and will guide you through documentation, prior authorizations, and appeals.