Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) Awareness Training, South of the county

This course is for Staffordshire Adult Social Care Providers or providers who are commissioned by Staffordshire County Council.

Please note this training is currently only being offered to carers that work in Learning Disability Care Settings, that are based in the following areas :

• East Staffordshire (e.g. Burton, Uttoxeter, Lichfield and Tamworth)

• West Staffordshire (e.g. Cannock, Rugeley, Stafford, Penkridge, Stone and Codsall).

Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) Awareness Training

Do you provide care for people with a learning disability? Do those people also have Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)?

If so, please watch this short video, which will help you identify any training needs you might have when supporting people with Learning Disability and Dysphagia.

To support gaps in knowledge and skill, you can now take advantage of free Dysphagia training, which is being offered by your local Speech and Language Team.

Please note! If you are based in Shropshire, Telford or Stoke, there are alternative dysphagia training sessions currently being offered by the local Speech and Language Teams who work in those areas.

Who is this session for?

• This session is aimed at all support staff who work in community settings
• Who support someone with a Learning Disability - to eat and drink and take Medic*tion
• When that person also has swallowing difficulties

This course is delivered in-person and involves a presentation of information using projected slides.

There will also be guided opportunities to take part in practical activities (e.g. food and drink preparation and modification) and group discussions.

There are 16 places available on each course, which lasts for 4½ hours (this includes a 30-minute lunch break).

Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits will be available on the day. Delegates will need to bring their own lunch.

The course content will cover the following topics: The normal swallow; the factors that can affect the swallow; the risks to a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life when they have difficulties swallowing; and understanding how to support individuals to continue to enjoy meals and drinks, while reducing their risks of choking and aspiration.

By the end of the session the learner should be able to:

• Understand how swallowing works

• Understand the risks associated with a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) - including risks of choking and aspiration

• Understand the factors which need to be considered when supporting a person with dysphagia

• Know how to make a referral to Speech and Language Therapy to request a swallowing assessment

• Know how to correctly prepare and modify textures of food and drink in line with national guidance (IDDSI)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Friary Centre, Trent Valley Road, Lichfield, United Kingdom