Course Overview
This course is designed to equip health and social care staff with essential knowledge around the risks of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia, particularly when supporting individuals with swallowing difficulties or complex health conditions. It promotes safer care practices and supports compliance with CQC requirements by highlighting how to identify, prevent, and manage aspiration risks effectively within a person-centred care approach.
What You'll Learn
- By the end of this session, learners will have an awareness of:
- What aspiration and aspiration pneumonia are
- The signs, symptoms, and health implications of aspiration
- Common causes and high-risk conditions (e.g. dysphagia, neurological disorders)
- How to reduce and manage the risk of aspiration in care settings
- The importance of positioning, feeding practices, and care planning
- The role of the Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) in supporting individuals at risk
- The importance of multidisciplinary communication and documentation
