Unless you need to drink thickened liquids for a swallowing disorder called dysphagia, you most likely haven’t given much consideration to the various consistencies and textures of the liquids in your diet. When you’re thirsty, nothing hits the spot like an ice-cold glass of water. On a hot summer day, you might crave a refreshing milkshake. And when you’re recuperating from the flu, a nice bowl of soup is such a comfort.
With a swallowing disorder, however, liquids must be thickened, making it much harder to feel as though your thirst is quenched, and changing your ability to enjoy things such as that first hot cup of tea in the morning, or a glass of your favorite soda at lunchtime. Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care in Oak Brook and the surrounding areas, understands that adjusting to thickened liquids takes time, but these suggestions will help.
What Are the Top Beverage Thickeners?
It depends upon the person’s individual preference, and might take some experimentation to identify which works best. The doctor will advise on the level of thickness needed, which can range from thin, to nectar- or honey-like, to spoon-thick. The types of thickeners available include:
- Starch powders, produced from modified cornstarch, which need to be served immediately after mixing in order to avoid lumpiness or a gritty texture or taste.
- Gum-based powders, which are relatively new and are often a preferred option over starch powders, as they maintain their viscosity over time, and work without adding flavor, grit, or cloudiness to the liquid.
- Liquid or gel thickeners that blend easily without clumping, even into beverages that can be harder to thicken, such as hot foods, soda, or supplement beverages.
- Pre-thickened products, which are becoming increasingly available, in either honey or nectar consistencies.
It’s necessary to make sure that someone with a swallowing disorder stays hydrated. Certain fluids could be more palatable, especially as the person is adapting to thickened liquids. Try fruit juice, which will be similar in texture to a smoothie or fruit puree. You can also freeze thickened juice, or any other thickened beverage, into an ice pop.
It is also helpful to know that beverage thickeners might be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance providers. Although these products can be found over the counter, ask the doctor to write a prescription and include the need for a beverage thickener in the older adult’s chart notes to see if the cost is reimbursable.
Our caregivers can help prepare thickened beverages and provide encouragement to make certain someone with a swallowing disorder stays healthy and hydrated, along with a number of other senior care services at home. Contact us at (630) 323-4665 to request a free in-home consultation to get started or to learn more about our in-home care in Oak Brook and the surrounding areas.