There are around 17 calories per teaspoon of gravy granules (depending on the brand you chose) so make sure you account for this if you use this method. It’s easy to use lots more than this!

If people have swallowing difficulties, do you have guidance and care plans on how to administer oral medicines safely and effectively, for example crushing a tablet? Plain Flour is around 30 calories for 1 level tablespoon so you will need to factor this in if you are calorie counting.This method will add some extra calories, but not lots. Depending on the brand of tomato puree you choose there will be around 6 calories per level tablespoon. An important note, be very careful using this or you may end up with a pan of wallpaper paste-like gloop! Less is definitely more. The Francis Report highlighted the importance of giving people food and fluid in a form they can safely consume. It forms part of NICE Guideline NG128. Considerations for providers

Gravy granules come in at 1 Point per heaped teaspoon for people following Weight Watchers so make sure to count them in your dailies. Cornflour is around 31 calories for 1 level tbsp so you will need to factor this in if you are calorie counting. Come join our Facebook group! We have over 850,000 members, who want to help you! You wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun would you?

Dysphagia can occur at any age, from premature babies, through to the elderly and those at the end of life. Problems may arise as a result of:

Because you need so little, adding Xanthan Gum will only add a few extra calories to a dish. 1/2 teaspoon is only 6 calories. Do staff know how to spot warning signs such as difficulties and discomfort at meal or drinks time, dehydration, weight loss, and chest infections? Individuals may have difficulties with a range of actions required for eating and drinking safely and efficiently. Such as:This method will add around 55 calories to a dish per egg yolk – remember to divide that by the number of portions. Has a medicines review been carried out to make sure that medicines are necessary and can be taken safely?

Cornflour should be mixed with a little cold water to make a slurry, then added to the boiling liquid. Cornflour doesn’t need to be cooked out for as long as flour, so can be removed from the heat as soon as the starchy taste has gone.