Mobile Swallowing (Dysphagia) Assessment in Melbourne
Coughing during meals, food sticking, or meals taking much longer than they used to can be signs of changes in swallowing, known as dysphagia. I assess swallowing where meals actually happen: at your kitchen table, or in residential aged care. That way, the recommendations fit your real food, drinks and routines.
If someone is choking or can't breathe, call 000.
Coughing or throat clearing during or after eating or drinking
A wet or gurgly-sounding voice after swallowing
Food or tablets feeling stuck
Difficulty chewing, or food left in the mouth after swallowing
Meals taking much longer, or avoiding certain foods
Repeated chest infections
Signs it may be time for a swallowing assessment.
Background. We talk through your medical history, current circumstances and what you've noticed.
Oral examination. I check the muscles and movements used for chewing and swallowing.
Mealtime observation. I watch you eat and drink your usual foods and drinks, and trial strategies or texture changes if needed.
Clear recommendations. You'll get written advice on food and drink textures (using IDDSI levels where needed), positioning and safe-swallowing strategies.
Care team communication. With your consent, I share recommendations with your GP, family, carers or aged-care staff.
I trained in hospitals, where I conducted and analysed Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS, a swallowing X-ray). If an instrumental assessment would help, I'll explain why and help you arrange a referral.
What happens in a home swallowing assessment.
Assessment report provided
Clear recommendations including food and fluid consistencies, and tailored strategies to support swallowing safety
Swallowing therapy and exercises, where appropriate
Practical mealtime guidelines for family, carers and support workers
Training for aged-care and support staff
Reviews as your needs change
After the assessment.
Who I see.
Adults with swallowing changes after stroke or brain injury, with Parkinson's disease, MS or other neurological conditions, with dementia, after illness or a hospital stay, and older adults with age-related changes.
Funding.
NDIS: plan-managed and self-managed participants (more on NDIS)
Support at Home: through your provider (more on Support at Home)
Medicare: with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (partial rebate; up to 5 allied health services per calendar year, shared across all allied health)
Private
Swallowing assessment FAQs.
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No. With your consent, I'll keep your GP informed.
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Yes, within my service area (30 minutes from Elsternwick). Talk to me about funding options.
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An initial assessment is billed as 105 minutes: 60 minutes face-to-face, plus time for your written recommendations (including an assessment report and follow-up as required).
Book a free 15-minute phone chat to talk it through. No referral needed.
· or call 0435 588 508