Service users on Swift Ward, Cygnet Hospital Taunton’s older adults service, have been learning about choking awareness as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week.
Clare Woods, the Speech and Language Therapist on Swift Ward, gave a talk about high risk foods and safe snack options. Clare handed out samples of safe snack options and spoke to service users about the factors that can increase the risk of choking, for example reduced dentition and medication side effects. They learned about how to choose snacks that are at lower risk of causing choking episodes.
The service users were interested to learn fun facts about the swallow, particularly that their windpipe is the same size as their own thumbnail!
Thanks to the staff and service users on Swift Ward for supporting Choking Awareness Day.
#itsnojoketochoke