Swallowing Therapy
Swallowing and Mealtime Safety
Helping Adults Across Bunbury, Busselton, and the South West WA Eat and Drink Safely!
Swallowing difficulties (known as dysphagia) are common in adults following stroke, brain injury, progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease (MND), or Huntington’s, head and neck cancer, dementia, functional neurological disorder (FND), or changes associated with ageing. At Advance Speech Plus, we provide expert assessment, therapy, and support to ensure adults can enjoy mealtimes safely, reducing risks like choking, malnutrition, or aspiration pneumonia.
What Are the Signs of Swallowing Difficulties?
Adults with dysphagia may experience:
Coughing or choking during meals or drinks.
A gurgly or wet-sounding voice after swallowing.
Taking longer to finish food or needing multiple swallows.
Avoiding certain textures or consistencies.
Recurrent chest infections or unexplained weight loss/dehydration.
If you or a loved one in Bunbury or surrounding areas like Busselton, Dunsborough, or Margaret River notices these signs, a professional swallowing assessment is recommended to prevent complications and promote safe, enjoyable eating.
How Do We Assess Swallowing?
At Advance Speech Plus, we use a comprehensive approach to evaluate swallowing function:
Clinical Swallowing Evaluations
Detailed observations of how food and liquids are managed safely and effectively.
Instrumental Assessments
Gold-standard tools like Videofluoroscopy Swallow Study (VFSS)—a dynamic X-ray to visualise the swallow.
These methods help identify issues precisely, guiding tailored management plans.
What Treatments Are Available for Swallowing Difficulties?
We offer evidence-based interventions to improve safety and function:
Swallow Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and coordination, such as the Shaker exercise, effortful swallow, or Mendelsohn manoeuvre, which enhance airway protection and pharyngeal clearance.
Postural Techniques and Swallowing Manoeuvres: Strategies like chin tuck or head turn to improve swallow safety.
Texture Modification: Recommendations aligned with International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) standards for safer food and drink consistencies.
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST): Used in suitable cases, such as neurological conditions, to boost cough strength and support swallowing.
Mealtime Management Plans: Personalised strategies for carers and support workers, including positioning, pacing, and adaptive equipment.
Oral Care and Aspiration Prevention: Training in daily oral hygiene routines, as strong evidence shows this is the most effective way to reduce pneumonia risk in older adults and aged care residents.
These approaches are supported by guidelines from Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), including best practice statements on dysphagia management, which emphasise early intervention for better outcomes. Carers in Busselton frequently report reduced stress and improved quality of life after implementing our plans.
Who Do We Support?
Our services are designed for:
Adults recovering from stroke, brain injury, or head and neck cancer seeking dysphagia therapy in Bunbury.
People with progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or MND requiring ongoing swallowing support in Busselton.
Older adults or those with dementia/FND experiencing age-related swallowing changes in South West WA towns.
NDIS participants working toward goals for safe eating and independence.
Carers, families, aged care staff, and health professionals needing practical training and strategies.
Why Choose Advance Speech Plus for Swallowing Support?
Proven Expertise
Founded by Catherine Coate and Amanda Pierce, with over 50 years of combined experience in adult speech pathology, including leadership at Bunbury Regional Hospital.
Warm and Empathetic Care
We prioritise your dignity and preferences, creating plans that respect individual needs and promote independence.
Accessible and Inclusive
Clinics in Bunbury and Busselton, with telehealth, home visits, and outreach to regional towns like Margaret River.
Real Results
Anonymised case studies demonstrate reduced aspiration risks (e.g., an aged care resident in Bunbury achieving safer mealtimes through IDDSI modifications and oral care training) and positive feedback from carers on easier daily routines.
Referrals and Funding Options
Accessing our swallowing services is straightforward—contact us today:
GP Referral: For Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans or DVA funding. GPs in Bunbury can refer directly for VFSS or clinical assessments; we’ll coordinate the process.
NDIS Participants: Self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed, aligning with your functional goals.
Aged Care Support: Through Support at Home packages or residential aged care referrals.
Private Clients: Flexible self-funding options
Book an Appointment or Referral
Ready to improve mealtime safety? Reach out to our team in Bunbury or Busselton for a confidential discussion on how we can assist.
