Dysphagia Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities
The Dysphagia Team provides a service to adults with learning disabilities who have eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.
Overview of the service
The Dysphagia Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities provides a service to adults who experience eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties in the community. They help address any potential health problems caused by being unable to eat, drink or swallow.
Dysphagia is a term which means an impairment in swallowing, which may occur with food, drink or saliva.
The team consist of a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, a Specialist Dietitian and a Therapy Assistant.
The team works closely with occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the Clinical Health Team for People with a Learning Disability at Sutton Social Services. This is to provide a comprehensive approach to assessment, treatment and advice. The team also works alongside psychologists, pharmacists and dental services as and when it is appropriate.
Once a patient has been assessed by the relevant team members, advice and training will be provided to carers and a comprehensive eating and drinking management plan will be created for each patient.
Who do we see?
Individuals with a diagnosed Learning Disability aged 18 years and over who are registered with a Sutton GP.