Swallowing Therapy (Oral Motor) – Senior Care – Elder Care – Nursing Services

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:

Prevent choking and aspiration
Promote safe and efficient swallowing
Improve coordination of the lips, tongue, jaw, and throat
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:

Stroke
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
Head and neck cancer treatments
Cerebral palsy (in children and adults)
Aging-related muscle atrophy

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

Nearly 9 million Americans experience swallowing problems annually
Up to 50% of stroke survivors experience dysphagia
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:

Coughing or throat clearing while eating
Wet or gurgly voice during or after meals
Food or liquid leaking from the mouth
Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat
Frequent pneumonia or chest infections
Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
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 end-of-life experience should be handled with deep respect, compassion, and precision. That’s why each hospice care plan is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the patient’s medical needs, emotional well-being, personal wishes, and family dynamics. This plan is regularly reviewed and adapted to honor changes in condition or family input.

Each hospice care plan may include:

Frequency of Visits
Scheduled visits from hospice nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, or volunteers—tailored to the patient’s stage of illness and level of support needed.
Symptom Management Protocols
Personalized medication schedules to control pain, nausea, shortness of breath, restlessness, or anxiety—ensuring comfort at all times without over-sedation.
Comfort and Positioning Plans
Strategies to prevent skin breakdown, ease joint stiffness, and reduce respiratory strain through careful repositioning, mobility aids, and bedding adjustments.
Spiritual and Emotional Support Pathways
Integration of chaplain visits, guided rituals, or legacy-building activities for the patient, as well as grief support for the family.
Family and Caregiver Education
Hands-on training in how to administer medications, use durable medical equipment, manage toileting and hygiene tasks, and recognize signs of distress.
Coordination with Physicians and Providers
Ongoing collaboration with the patient’s primary care provider or specialists to ensure aligned decisions and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations or confusion.
Equipment and Home Environment Support
Recommendations and arrangements for hospice-approved equipment like hospital beds, bedside commodes, suction machines, oxygen, or pressure-relieving mattresses.
Quality of Life Benchmarks
Instead of measuring healing, we track comfort indicators like sleep, appetite, communication ability, and meaningful family interaction—adjusting care goals to maintain or enhance these markers as long as possible.

Hospice care plans are living documents. They evolve alongside the patient’s condition—whether it’s adjusting medications, increasing visit frequency, introducing new therapies, or transitioning to 24/7 support. At Freida Home Care, we view the plan not as a rigid protocol, but as a compassionate guide through one of life’s most sacred transitions.

BOOK PHONE CONSULTATION

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:

Medical and swallowing history
Observation during meals or simulated eating
Oral mechanism exam (jaw, lips, tongue, soft palate)
Screening for aspiration risk
Discussion of dietary preferences and restrictions
Review of recent imaging studies (if available)

2. Personalized Plan of Care

We build a swallowing therapy plan based on:

Swallowing safety and aspiration risk
Level of oral control and coordination
Texture modifications needed
Long-term and short-term goals

3. Ongoing Treatment

Each therapy session may include:

Oral motor exercises to strengthen lips, tongue, and jaw
Effortful swallows, Masako maneuvers, or Mendelsohn techniques
Thermal-tactile stimulation to improve timing and reflex
Postural adjustments (chin tuck, head turn, upright positioning)
Diet coaching and meal pacing strategies
Breathing and swallowing coordination training
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.

GET PERSONALIZED PLAN NOW

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

BOOK PHONE CONSULTATION

We work with children who have feeding and swallowing issues due to congenital or acquired conditions. Our pediatric swallowing therapy includes:

Play-based oral motor development
Caregiver coaching and feeding observation
Safe bottle or spoon feeding techniques
Positioning during mealtimes
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

BOOK PHONE CONSULTATION

Swallowing therapy in adults often addresses:

Age-related sarcopenia (muscle weakening)
Swallowing after stroke or surgery
Decline from neuro-degenerative conditions
Decreased awareness of aspiration

For these patients, therapy improves:

Nutritional intake
Communication with healthcare providers
Confidence in eating socially
Prevention of hospitalization from aspiration pneumonia

We provide clear documentation for families, primary care providers, and long-term care facilities when needed.

Monitoring and Documentation

BOOK PHONE CONSULTATION

Case 1: Stroke Recovery

Mr. Anderson, age 73, had a left-side stroke and developed severe dysphagia. Freida Home Care’s SLP created a program using thermal stimulation and Mendelsohn maneuver practice. Over eight weeks, he transitioned from pureed foods to soft solids and began drinking thin liquids without coughing.

Case 2: Pediatric Feeding Delay

Three-year-old Lily struggled to chew and swallow solid foods due to low oral tone. Her in-home therapist engaged her with bubble-blowing, spoon desensitization, and jaw stabilization exercises. Lily began tolerating crunchy foods and self-feeding within three months.

Case 3: Parkinson’s Disease

Ms. Alvarez, 65, with Parkinson’s, showed signs of silent aspiration. Using postural adjustments and vocal fold exercises, she regained safer swallowing and now eats full meals with supervision.