Food for Thought

Professional support

If you have concerns about a person's ability to eat and drink, help is available. Key professionals who can offer advice and guidance include:

Dietitans, who can provide advice on issues such as poor appetite, weight loss or weight gain, food enrichment and vitamin and food supplements.
Speech and language therapists, who can give advice and guidance on swallowing difficulties. It is important that changes to the texture of food are only made as necessary and with professional advice.
Occupational therapists, who can advise on adapted eating aids, such as cutlery, cups and place mats that help to maintain independent eating.
Dentists, to ensure teeth are healthy and dentures fit well and are secure enough to chew food.

These professionals can be contacted through the GP or consultant, who will be able to arrange for a referral. Some professionals may be able to offer a home visit to people who are unable to leave their house. Others may be based at a local health centre, GP practice or hospital. Services vary from area to area.