Home caregiver strategies for feeding older adults with dysphagia after dehospitalization

Abstract

Objective: To understand caregivers’ strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia after dehospitalization. Method: Qualitative research carried out with caregivers of older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia, who were discharged after hospitalization at a university hospital in Bahia. Data collection was carried out between January and February 2023 through a semi-structured interview, whose data were organized based on content analysis and analyzed with the help of IRaMuTeQ software. Results: Three categories emerged: Caregivers’ strategies for safely offering food to older adults with dysphagia; Caregiver strategies for oral hygiene for older adults; Recognition of continuity of speech therapy after dehospitalization. Conclusion: Caregivers’ strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia were supported by tacit knowledge and effective care in the hospital-home transition.