Winter brings cozy meals, family gatherings, and warm drinks—but also an increase in respiratory illnesses that can complicate swallowing. For elderly individuals, pneumonia and flu season can increase the risk of medical conditions that can be linked to dysphagia, dehydration and malnutrition.
At Patheous Health, our clinicians work closely with care teams to promote winter wellness and swallow safety. Here are a few reminders for the colder months:
- Stay hydrated. The cold air and heated indoor environments can lead to dehydration. Encourage patients to take regular sips of water or physician-approved thickened liquids throughout the day. Consider a humidifier to keep respiratory passages open and moist.
- Recognize fatigue. Illness and fatigue can have an impact on our sensory motor skills and attention during meals. Patients recovering from respiratory infections may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals and built-in rest breaks. Also, make sure all patients get plenty of healing sleep.
- Eat nutritious foods. Prioritize fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in vitamin C. Even if a patient with dysphagia is on a modified diet, be sure they’re getting proper nutrients to help strengthen their body and immune system—and help them fight illnesses. Avoid sugar and processed foods, prioritizing nutritious, healthy options. Eating regularly—and properly—can also help prevent dysphagia-related malnutrition. Consider a discussion with the facility Registered Dietician.
- Review diet and positioning. Changes in medical status often call for updated swallowing strategies. Confirm that each patient’s diet texture and positioning recommendations are current, documented, and followed—and that nursing and dietary teams are aligned.
- Monitor signs of distress. Coughing, throat clearing, or a “wet” voice after swallowing can be a symptom of dysphagia. Early SLP referrals can prevent complications.
- Avoid contact with sick individuals. Anyone with symptoms of illness—including nasal congestion, coughing, or fever—should not go near the patient. Any illness can exacerbate dysphagia symptoms, so family, friends, and caregivers shouldn’t visit or treat the patient while they’re sick.
- Wash hands. Proper handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent illnesses from spreading. Require caregivers, family, and friends to wash their hands thoroughly with soap before treating or touching the patient.
- Stay cozy and comfortable. Patients may enjoy a warm cup of tea, a fuzzy blanket, and warm clothing to maximize comfort in the winter months. Indoor heating often causes dry, itchy, and cracked skin, which can lead to infection. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, including cozy liquids like warm herbal tea. A humidifier can help increase patients’ comfort when the constant indoor heating makes the air dry. Use moisturizers and lotions to prevent skin and lip cracking, and prevent infection.
- Get natural light. Fresh air and sunshine are good for us all. If mobility challenges make it difficult for the patient to go outside—or if it’s too cold and snowy to do so safely—have the patient sit by a sunny window to boost vitamin D levels (and their mood).
Winter is a season for comfort and care, and a reminder that proactive swallowing management—and illness prevention—protects patients’ health and happiness.
“Prevention starts with awareness,” says one Patheous Health clinician. “A few small adjustments can make the difference between a setback and a safe, enjoyable winter.”
Together, we can make this a season of safety, warmth, and wellness for every patient we serve.
