Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

I am sorry to hear of this situation.

It does sound like she would benefit from a swallowing assessment by a health professional. You haven't mentioned any community care input, so I might suggest this.

You could ask a district nurse to visit from the GP surgery to do an assessment. If someone's swallowing is not good, then they are at risk of aspirating into the lungs, and this can lead to pneumonia. It may also be worth asking if there is a community dietician available, as they can prescribe powder to make thickened fluids. Her medications do need reviewing, as there may be another way of taking them. If someone's condition is changing, then they may now benefit from a referral to the community palliative care team. They can advise on this, and symptom control, and provide support to the family at this time.

Marie Curie has information about difficulty swallowing

I hope that this helps,

Best wishes,

Vanda