Free tools to support safe, dignified eating, drinking, and communication.
Nau mai, haere mai.
This Resource Cupboard is a collection of free, practical tools to support dysphagia and communication in aged care and at home.
Whether you are:
running a care home
part of a clinical or care team
supporting someone you love
You’ll find resources here to help you:
✔ recognise dysphagia
✔ support safe eating and drinking
✔ improve systems and everyday care
Start with the section that fits your role below.
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Build a safe, consistent system
If you are responsible for clinical services, quality, or operations, this is your starting point.
These resources will help you:
understand best practice
reduce risk
build a consistent dysphagia system across your facility
Start here:
Refer to SLT- Public
Refer to SLT - Private
Use these to guide policy, training, and service design.
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Identify → Refer → Support
Dysphagia is often missed. Early identification matters.
Use these tools to:
quickly screen patients
make informed referrals
support shared decision-making
Resources:
EAT-10 Screening Tool
→ Score ≥3 = refer to SLTRisk Feeding Guidelines
→ When safety and quality of life need to be balanced
Simple step: Screen → Refer → Don’t manage alone.
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Food is care. Food is safety.
IDDSI is your foundation, but this is more than just purée.
These resources will help you:
understand texture levels
test food and fluids correctly
create meals that are safe AND enjoyable
Start here:
Go further:
This is where dignity lives, in the food you serve.
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What to look for. What to do.
You are at the front line of care.
Your role is to:
recognise dysphagia
follow the plan
support safe mealtimes
Key tools:
Important:
Free Water Protocol
(only if recommended by SLT)
If something doesn’t feel right — escalate. Always.
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Supporting someone you care about
Dysphagia can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone.
These resources will help you:
understand what’s happening
support safer eating and drinking
feel more confident
Start here:
👉 If you’re unsure — ask for help. A speech-language therapist can guide you.
Not all strategies are
safe for everyone.
Thickened fluids are not always the answer
Some approaches (like Free Water Protocol) require clinical guidance
Dysphagia support should always be individualised
Always consult a Speech-Language Therapist where possible.
Need more support?
If you’re a care home or team looking to:
implement these standards
build a dysphagia system
train your staff
or just feeling a little lost with all the information
