As you age, chewing and swallowing become increasingly more difficult as these muscles begin to deteriorate. Seniors can often have a hard time eating as they get older because the muscles in their mouth and throat lose their strength. They can also stop producing as much saliva to break down their food, causing issues as well. Choking can be a real hazard for seniors and knowing how to prevent them from choking is crucial in any setting that deals with elderly individuals. The Gables Assisted Living is committed to the health and welfare of all our senior residents with professional staff trained to keep our residents safe and taken care of.
Common Causes of Choking in the Elderly
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) – often due to stroke, Parkinson’s, or other neurological conditions
- Poor dentition or ill-fitting dentures – leads to inadequate chewing of food
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) – reduces saliva needed for smooth swallowing
- Eating too quickly or taking large bites – increases risk of food blockage
- Cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s or dementia) – may affect chewing and swallowing ability
- Neurological disorders – can impair muscle coordination and swallow reflex
- Sedating medications – slow down swallowing reflex or reduce alertness while eating
- Decreased throat and mouth sensitivity – reduces awareness of food in the airway
- Muscle weakness or fatigue – affects posture and control during meals
- Unsupervised eating – especially for those with known swallowing issues
Practice Safe Eating Habits
During mealtimes, seniors are more prone to choke than at other times of the day. It is important to practice safe eating habits during these times to avoid choking. Some tips to help ensure that meal times go safely for those who are getting older include:
- Giving adequate time to eat: Choking can be more likely to occur when food is being eaten hastily. Taking the time to effectively chew and swallow will help break down the food which will allow it to go down easier.
- Taking small bites: Smaller spoons and forks can be used during mealtimes to limit how much food goes into the mouth with each bite.
- Tucking your chin: Bending forward and tucking your chin when eating can help individuals swallow more effectively and avoid getting food in their airway.
These safe eating tips should be used during every mealtime to prevent the likelihood of choking from occurring. As these eating practices become habits, the likelihood of choking goes down and the quality of the entire eating experience goes up.
When a Senior is Having Difficulty Swallowing Water
Many seniors experience difficulty swallowing water, a condition known as dysphagia, which can be caused by age-related muscle weakening, neurological disorders like stroke or Parkinson’s, or cognitive decline such as dementia. While it may seem minor, trouble swallowing even thin liquids like water can be dangerous, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration—when fluid enters the lungs instead of the stomach. Signs may include coughing, throat clearing, or a wet-sounding voice after drinking. Treatment often involves thickening liquids, using specific swallowing techniques, and working with a speech-language pathologist to improve safety and comfort during hydration.
Focus on Intentional Eating
As it becomes more difficult to chew and swallow, it becomes more important to be intentional while eating to ensure that seniors are eating correctly. This helps to leave as little room as possible for choking incidents to happen. Intentional eating can look like focusing on eating safely by:
- Limiting distractions like television during mealtimes
- Making sure there is adequate lighting so the food can be seen while eating
- Not talking while eating to prevent food from entering the airways
- Alternating drinking liquids and eating food, taking small sips throughout your meal
Eating intentionally allows you to be more aware of what is going in your mouth and down your throat. For seniors that have more difficulty eating, intentionally eating – and having an environment conducive to that, makes the whole experience safer for their situation.
Do Not Eat Laying Down
Sitting up while eating will give the elderly the best chance of not choking. If an individual needs to stay in bed to eat, have them at least at a 45-degree angle and leave them sat up for a bit after they have finished to aid in digestion and further reduce the risk of choking. Avoid laying down directly after eating as well.
What to Do if a Senior is Actively Choking
If a senior is conscious but unable to speak, breathe, or cough, act immediately.
1. Call for Emergency Help (Dial 911)
Always seek emergency medical help, even if the obstruction is cleared. Seniors may still need evaluation for complications.
2. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)
- Stand behind the person.
- Wrap your arms around their waist.
- Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the belly button.
- Grasp your fist with the other hand.
- Deliver quick, inward and upward thrusts.
- Repeat until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unresponsive.
3. If They Become Unconscious
- Lower the person to the ground.
- Begin CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions.
- If trained, check the mouth between compressions and remove visible obstructions.
- Continue until emergency responders arrive.
Be Aware of Choking Hazards
Preventing choking in elderly individuals can also come down to the types of food they are eating or foods that are prepared for them. Eating softer foods is a must for many seniors, as their teeth have become weak with age, but it is important to ensure that their food is bite-sized and not a choking hazard. Watch out for these choking hazards in foods a senior may be eating.
- Steak or big pieces of meat – be sure to cut really small if serving
- White bread – can expand if eaten with water and can block the airway
- Popcorn – hard kernels can be choked on easily
- Chicken with bones
- Hot dogs – if serving, remove the skin and slice thinly
- Hard candy
Avoiding these foods altogether can help reduce the risk of choking, but if they must be served to an elderly individual, be sure to prepare them accordingly for the utmost safety of the senior.
Choose The Gables Assisted Living
Our amazing senior living facility is designed with your elderly loved one in mind. Safety is our top priority and our kitchen and staff are well-equipped to keep your loved one as safe and secure as possible. Our residents are well-taken care of in all aspects of their lives, and the prevention of choking is one of them. Contact us today with any questions you might have about our procedures or our community and we will be happy to help you.
