18th March 2026
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has highlighted the importance of safe and enjoyable mealtimes for people with swallowing difficulties during Swallow Awareness Day.
The Trust’s Care Home Support Team and Dysphagia Support Team recently hosted an engagement event for chefs, cooks, catering staff and care home managers, which focused on improving the safety, quality of life and mealtime experience for people who have eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia.
Staff working in care homes and supported living services play an essential role in preparing meals, drinks and snacks for residents who need modified diets, drinks and snacks. The event gave staff the opportunity to share ideas, learn from clinical specialists and explore practical ways to make meals safe, nutritious and enjoyable.
Dietitians, speech and language therapists and specialist chefs also shared advice on nutrition and hydration for older people, food fortification and how to prepare texture-modified meals and snacks that support safe swallowing while still tasting good.
The event also recognised the dedication of staff who work every day to make sure residents have a positive dining experience.
Grace Hamilton, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHPs, Infection Prevention and Control and Functional Support Services, said:
“Care homes and supported living services play a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can continue to improve the safety and quality of mealtimes for residents with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.
“Bringing clinical teams and catering staff together helps ensure meals remain safe, nutritious and enjoyable for people living with dysphagia.”
