Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to contact us. If you'd like a Medicare rebate, you'll need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral from your GP, which covers up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. Many NDIS participants can use their plan for swallowing assessments and Mealtime Management Plans, usually under Improved Daily Living. Private health insurance with extras cover may also help with costs.

Can you assess at home or in an aged care facility?

Yes. Seeing someone eat in their usual environment often gives us the most useful picture, so we offer swallowing assessments at home and in residential aged care, as well as in our Yagoona clinic.

Do you do videofluoroscopy (modified barium swallow) or FEES?

These detailed swallowing tests are done in hospitals and radiology clinics, not in our clinic. If our assessment shows one is needed, we'll explain why and work with the GP to arrange the referral.

Will I have to eat puréed food or have thickened drinks?

Not necessarily. Many people only need small changes, such as different positioning, smaller mouthfuls or avoiding a few specific foods. We only recommend texture changes when they're clearly needed, and we review them as things change.

Can family members or support workers come along?

Absolutely, and we encourage it. The people who prepare meals and support mealtimes are central to making the plan work, so we make sure they understand the recommendations and feel confident following them.

Can assessments be done in Arabic?

Yes. Our Speech Pathologists speak English and Arabic, so we can explain recommendations clearly to the person and to family members who prepare meals, in the language they're most comfortable with.

Dysphagia Assessments Yagoona | Mustard Seed Health Care

Overview

When Eating and Drinking Becomes Hard

Swallowing is something most of us never think about until it becomes difficult. Coughing during meals, food sticking in the throat or a chest infection that keeps coming back can all be signs that swallowing isn't working as safely as it should. The medical term for this is dysphagia.

Swallowing difficulties are common after a stroke and with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, motor neurone disease and acquired brain injury. They can also develop gradually with age, or after surgery or illness. Left unmanaged, they can lead to choking, chest infections, weight loss and dehydration, and they can quietly take the enjoyment out of meals.

A swallowing assessment with a Speech Pathologist tells you what is happening and what to do about it. We look at how the person eats and drinks, identify what makes swallowing safer, and give everyone involved in their care a clear plan to follow. Our aim is always the safest and most enjoyable mealtimes possible, with no more restrictions than needed.

If you have a Support at Home package through My Aged Care, Speech Pathology may be funded through your package. Talk to your provider or contact our team and we'll help you work it out.

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Signs & symptoms

Signs of a Swallowing Difficulty

Everyone's experience is different. If any of the signs below sound familiar, it's worth reaching out for a professional opinion, even if you're not sure.

Coughing, choking or throat clearing during or after eating and drinking

A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing

Food or tablets feeling stuck in the throat or chest

Meals taking much longer, or avoiding certain foods and drinks

Food left in the mouth after swallowing

Drooling, or food and drink escaping from the mouth

Repeated chest infections or pneumonia

Unplanned weight loss or signs of dehydration

Sudden difficulty swallowing, especially with facial drooping, slurred speech or weakness, can be a sign of stroke. Call 000 immediately. If someone is choking and can't breathe, call 000.

What to expect

Our Assessment Process

We know assessments can feel daunting. Our process is thorough but warm, and we take the time to understand the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

1

Referral and Background

Refer through our online form or give us a call. We'll ask about medical history, current diet and drinks, medications and any recent chest infections, and request relevant reports from the GP or hospital.

2

Assessment Appointment

We see adults in our Yagoona clinic, via telehealth, at home, or in residential aged care (nursing homes), wherever suits the person best. Family, carers and support workers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

3

During the Assessment

We check the muscles used for chewing and swallowing, then watch the person eat and drink a range of food and drink textures. If a more detailed look at the swallow is needed, such as a videofluoroscopy or FEES at a hospital, we'll explain why and help arrange it through the GP.

4

Mealtime Plan and Report

We talk through what we found on the day. You'll then receive a written report and Mealtime Management Plan, usually within two weeks, with a copy sent to the GP. The plan covers safe food and drink textures, positioning and strategies, written so family, carers and support workers can follow it with confidence.

1

Referral and Background

Refer through our online form or give us a call. We'll ask about medical history, current diet and drinks, medications and any recent chest infections, and request relevant reports from the GP or hospital.

2

Assessment Appointment

We see adults in our Yagoona clinic, via telehealth, at home, or in residential aged care (nursing homes), wherever suits the person best. Family, carers and support workers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

3

During the Assessment

We check the muscles used for chewing and swallowing, then watch the person eat and drink a range of food and drink textures. If a more detailed look at the swallow is needed, such as a videofluoroscopy or FEES at a hospital, we'll explain why and help arrange it through the GP.

4

Mealtime Plan and Report

We talk through what we found on the day. You'll then receive a written report and Mealtime Management Plan, usually within two weeks, with a copy sent to the GP. The plan covers safe food and drink textures, positioning and strategies, written so family, carers and support workers can follow it with confidence.

Therapy

How We Support Safer Swallowing

Every recommendation is practical and tailored to the person, their health and the foods they enjoy. We work hard to keep meals familiar and enjoyable, and we only change food or drink textures when there's a clear reason to.

What we work on

Food and drink texture recommendations using the IDDSI framework, the international standard used across Australian hospitals and aged care
Positioning, pacing and strategies that make each mouthful safer
Swallowing exercises, where they're likely to help
Training for family, carers and support workers so the plan is followed consistently
Regular reviews as health or needs change

Clinical Swallowing Assessment

A thorough look at chewing, swallowing and mealtime safety, with clear findings you can act on straight away.

Mealtime Management Plans

A written plan everyone involved in care can follow, often required for NDIS participants and in residential aged care.

Carer and Support Worker Training

Practical, hands-on guidance so the people preparing meals and supporting mealtimes feel confident doing it safely.

What families can expect

What You Can Expect

We set measurable goals and track progress carefully, so you always know where things stand and what comes next.

A clear understanding of how safely the person is swallowing

A written plan that family, carers and support workers can follow

Strategies to reduce the risk of choking and chest infections

Calmer, less stressful mealtimes

Meals that stay as familiar and enjoyable as possible

Updated recommendations as needs change

Ready to start? Our team is happy to answer your questions. There's no obligation, just a friendly conversation.

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Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Our full FAQ page covers many more topics, or just give us a call and we'll help.

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Ask us directly

Related services

Related Services

Other areas our team supports. If you're not sure which is right for you, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Communication and swallowing therapy to support recovery after stroke.

Learn more

Parkinson's Disease Support

Voice and speech therapy to maintain loud, clear communication.

Learn more

Aphasia

Rebuilding language after stroke or brain injury, word by word.

Learn more

Swallowing (Dysphagia) Assessments for Adults

When Eating and Drinking Becomes Hard

Signs of a Swallowing Difficulty

Our Assessment Process

Referral and Background

Assessment Appointment

During the Assessment

Mealtime Plan and Report

Referral and Background

Assessment Appointment

During the Assessment

Mealtime Plan and Report

How We Support Safer Swallowing

What we work on

Clinical Swallowing Assessment

Mealtime Management Plans

Carer and Support Worker Training

What You Can Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Stroke Rehabilitation

Parkinson's Disease Support

Aphasia

Ready to Get Started?