Back
About us

Contact MacIntyre

Whatever your query, we’ll help you to find the right person to speak to you and answer your questions as quickly as possible.

Get in touch with us
About us Governance Inspection reports Awards Memberships and Accreditations
In Your Area
In Your Area Bedfordshire Buckinghamshire Cheshire Derbyshire Greater Manchester Hampshire Herefordshire Hertfordshire Leicestershire London Oxfordshire Shropshire Wales Warwickshire
For Adults

Are you looking for residential support for an adult?

We currently have a number of vacancies where we can offer 24/7 support.

View residential vacancies

Contact MacIntyre

Get in touch to discuss your support needs.

Get in touch with us
For Adults Day Opportunities Registered Care Shared Lives Homes not Hospitals Supported Living Find a place to call home
For Children & Young People

Are you looking for a special school?

MacIntyre School provides education and care for children and young people aged between 10 and 19.

Find out more
For Children & Young People Academies Post-16 Education MacIntyre School and children's homes Residential Support Transition
Our Approach

About MacIntyre

Discover more about the organisation and the people behind the work we do

Discover more about the organisation
Our Approach Autism Co-production Communities Death and Dying Employment Families Health Intensive Interaction Person Centred Approaches Positive Behaviour Support Resources Safeguarding More Than A Provider
Support Us

Make a difference to the lives of the people we support

Donate
Support Us Corporate Support MacIntyre Lottery Wills and Legacies FAQ Volunteer
News & Stories
Events
Careers

Contact us

Have you got questions about working at MacIntyre?

Get in touch with us

Current vacancies

If you have the right attitude, good customer service skills, share our values and are willing to learn, you’re likely to be a great fit.

View current opportunities
Careers Current Vacancies Work for us 10 best things about MacIntyre Diversity and Inclusion Employee Benefits How to apply How to write an effective CV Recruitment FAQs Safer Recruitment Students and Graduates Working in Wales
Donate Search

What is Dysphagia?

18 March 2020
News

Swallowing...it might be something you don't think too much about, but for a number of people with a learning disability, it can cause a great deal of distress and discomfort. To mark World Swallowing Awareness Day, we are sharing information on Dysphagia.

Dysphagia is a medical term to describe a difficulty swallowing. The condition is more common among people with learning disabilities who have a physical disability such as cerebral palsy, those who have a physical disability of the palate, teeth or tongue; and those with complex health needs.

People with dysphagia may experience difficulty chewing, may choke when eating or drinking and experience persistent drooling, which can result in that person choking, becoming dehydrated, experiencing malnutrition and aspiration, where food migrates into the lungs.


Supporting someone with Dysphagia

The way to support someone with swallowing difficulties while eating and drinking will be unique to that person and the specific difficulties they have. You should take into consideration a number of aspects of the whole eating and drinking experience. These may include:

  • A referral to a Speech and Language Therapist who will assess and provide written guidance on the best way to support the person.
  • Ensure the person is supported with good oral hygiene. If the person has pain from their mouth then they may find it uncomfortable to eat. Good support with oral hygiene will minimise this.
  • Position of the person as they eat and drink – usually, this would be sitting upright to allow gravity to support the food to go down, including for approximately 30 minutes after they have eaten or had a drink, though this may vary for each person.
  • Make sure that the food and drink looks good and is appetising for the person. If it needs to be softened or pureed then keep the different foods separate.
  • Support the person to express their food preferences. This will include what they like or do not like as well as any cultural or religious preferences. If these are followed then the person is more likely to want to eat and drink.
  • Ensure that the food and drink is at an optimum temperature for the person. If it is too hot this can make choking more likely.
  • Think about the equipment used and whether it is suitable to allow for the person to be as independent as possible; think about non-slip mats, thicker handled utensils, plates with sides or stay warm plates.

For more information on Dysphagia, take a look at our 'Wellbeing for Life - Swallowing Difficulties' booklet.

Latest news

23 May 2025
News

Launching Dementia Makaton cards

As part of Dementia Action Week 2025, the MacIntyre Health team have created some Makaton signing cards to support conversations around Dementia

Find Out More
Wigwams in allotment waiting for planting
23 May 2025
Blog post

It came from the database

In which a student at MAP College in Abingdon is volunteering and growing community at the same time.

Find Out More
Photo of two peope talking over a game
22 May 2025
Blog post

The Magic 10

This Dementia Action Week we want to share a simple concept to enhance support for a person with dementia - a top 10s list

Find Out More
MacIntyre Podcast
21 May 2025
News

The MacIntyre Podcast, Season 4, Episode 5

In conversation with Bruce Smith, Head of No Limits, who describes the amazing difference we can make in young people's lives.

Find Out More
Important Links
Data Protection and Privacy Policy Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Statement
The MacIntyre Podcast
Connect with us
Employee of the Month Contact Us Our Newsletter Shops
Follow us
MacIntyre Logo
Registered Charity No. 250840

Seebeck House
1 Seebeck Place
Knowlhill
Milton Keynes
MK5 8FR
© 2025 MacIntyre. All rights reserved
Site by Grandad.digital