Feeding & Swallowing Support for Older Adults
Feeding & swallowing support for older adults with dysphagia, disability‑related feeding needs or other mealtime challenges in Newcastle & the Hunter Region
As we age, changes in swallowing, oral‑motor function, cognition, mobility and health conditions can make eating and drinking more difficult. THRIVE provides specialist swallowing (dysphagia) and feeding assessment for older adults, supporting individuals across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region.
Our Speech Pathologists specialise in dysphagia assessment, mealtime safety and practical recommendations for older adults experiencing age‑related changes, neurological conditions, disability, dementia or unexplained swallowing difficulties. Our multidisciplinary team also supports older adults with sensory feeding challenges, mealtime anxiety, behavioural feeding needs and participation difficulties.
What we support
Swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Coughing or choking during meals
- Difficulty swallowing food, fluids or medications
- Recurrent chest infections
- Wet or gurgly voice after eating or drinking
- Food getting stuck or frequent throat clearing
- Weight loss related to swallowing difficulties
- Age‑related swallowing changes
- Dysphagia associated with neurological conditions
Feeding & Mealtime Participation
- Difficulty managing textures
- Sensory sensitivities to food
- Mealtime anxiety or avoidance
- Oral‑motor feeding concerns
- Behavioural feeding challenges
- Support for eating in aged‑care or supported environments
Who we support
- Older adults with swallowing difficulties
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Stroke
- Progressive neurological conditions
- Cerebral Palsy
- Intellectual Disability
- Autism
- Adults in aged‑care facilities
- Adults in supported independent living
We support older adults across home care, community settings, aged‑care facilities, day programs, and NDIS environments.
Our approach
Swallowing and feeding support for older adults at THRIVE is Speech‑Pathology‑led, with Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Behaviour Support involved when sensory, emotional or behavioural factors are contributing.
We explore:
- swallowing safety
- oral‑motor skills
- mealtime routines and support needs
- sensory preferences
- emotional and behavioural responses to food
- environmental and postural supports
- participation in home, community and aged‑care settings
Our goal is to provide practical, evidence‑based recommendations that improve safety, comfort and quality of life.
What to expect
Signs an older adult may benefit from a swallowing or feeding assessment
- Coughing or choking during meals
- Difficulty swallowing food, fluids or medications
- Avoiding certain textures
- Weight loss or reduced intake
- Recurrent chest infections
- Difficulty chewing
- Sensory sensitivities to food
- Mealtime anxiety or distress
- Behavioural changes during meals
- Feeding challenges linked to dementia or neurological conditions
Telehealth for older adults
Some aspects of feeding therapy — such as strategy sessions and carer training — can be delivered via telehealth. However, swallowing assessments cannot be completed via telehealth for safety reasons and must be done in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — we support adults with a wide range of disabilities and support needs.
Yes — we support feeding and swallowing needs associated with dementia and cognitive decline.
Yes — we provide swallowing assessments, mealtime recommendations and staff training.
Yes — we work alongside GPs, specialists and allied health providers.
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. Referrals from GPs or other health professionals are welcome but not required.
You’ll receive clear information about the findings, along with practical strategies and recommendations tailored to your goals and routines. If further support or collaboration with other health professionals is helpful, we will discuss this with you.
We are based in Newcastle, NSW, and support families across the Hunter region and Central Coast, including Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Port Stephens.
Yes — we support self‑managed, plan‑managed and NDIA‑managed participants.
Yes, we are able to take bookings for Flexible Endoscopic Assessments (FEA) from August.