Mealtime Supports

Mealtimes should be enjoyable, not challenging. 😊 Our Speech Pathology & Occupational Therapy team work together to ensure participants have comfortable and safe eating experiences.

Here are some of the ways that Speech & OT can work together to help you with Mealtime enjoyment & safety:

POSITIONING plays a significant role in swallowing safely and being able to participate in mealtime routines. Whether you need help to sit at the table for family meals or sit upright to prevent food getting stuck in your throat, Speech & OT can work together to help you get into the optimal positioning for your mealtime needs. 

ENVIRONMENTAL changes such as lighting and room set up, can help orientate to meals. Increased engagement can help improve swallow safety, independence with meal preparation and mealtime enjoyment. 

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT or assistive tech can be life changing tools to allow people with disabilities to independently prepare and eat their meals/ drinks. Rocker knives, dycem grip mats, plate guards and the Food Cubby (Look it up!) for 1 handed use or to separate foods can be some easy ways to save energy, reduce pain and support sensory preferences.

Reach out to our team today to see how we can help you with your mealtimes 🍴🥳