What condition indicates a resident has a risk of aspiration?

The presence of difficulty swallowing is a significant indicator that a resident may be at risk for aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or other foreign materials enter the airway and lungs instead of the stomach, which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or choking. When a resident has difficulty swallowing, this could mean that their ability to coordinate the complex set of actions needed for safe swallowing is impaired.

In contrast, while inability to communicate effectively could suggest other issues, it is not directly related to aspiration risk. Similarly, difficulty with walking pertains to mobility and does not influence swallowing safety. Frequent coughing fits may be a symptom of aspiration or other respiratory issues, but they are not a direct indication of swallowing difficulties that lead to aspiration risk. Notably, the primary concern with aspiration relies heavily on the mechanics of swallowing, making difficulty swallowing the most critical factor to assess.