Mealtime Management Plans and the NDIS

For people with swallowing difficulties, a meal can carry real risks, from coughing and choking to chest infections. A Mealtime Management Plan sets out exactly how someone should be supported to eat and drink safely, so everyone who helps at mealtimes is on the same page.

In our earlier article, Dysphagia 101, we explained what swallowing difficulties are and the signs to watch for. This article looks at the plan that usually comes after a swallowing assessment.

What is a Mealtime Management Plan?

A Mealtime Management Plan is a written plan, prepared by a Speech Pathologist, that explains how to support a person to eat and drink as safely and comfortably as possible. It's written for the person, their family and anyone who supports them at mealtimes, including support workers.

What's in the plan?

Every plan is tailored to the person, but it usually covers:

• Food and drink textures: the textures that are safest, described using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework used in Australia.
• Positioning: how the person should sit during and after meals.
• Equipment: cups, cutlery or plates that make eating and drinking easier.
• Support strategies: pace, mouthful size, prompts and how much help is needed.
• Signs of difficulty: what to look out for, such as coughing or a wet, gurgly sounding voice.
• What to do in an emergency: clear steps to follow if the person chokes or becomes unwell.

Who needs one?

A Mealtime Management Plan can help anyone with a swallowing difficulty, but it's especially important when other people help with meals, such as in supported living, day programs or respite. NDIS providers who support participants with mealtime needs are expected to follow a plan developed by a qualified health practitioner, such as a Speech Pathologist.

How we put a plan together

• Assessment: we complete a clinical swallowing assessment and talk with the person, their family and support team.
• Writing the plan: we write a clear, practical plan that families and support workers can follow.
• Showing the team: we can show families and support workers how to follow the plan and recognise warning signs.
• Review: we review the plan whenever the person's needs change.

Can the NDIS fund it?

Yes. Swallowing assessments, Mealtime Management Plans and training for support workers can be funded through an NDIS plan when they relate to the participant's disability, usually under Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living.

Get in touch

We currently have no waitlist for NDIS Speech Pathology. We complete swallowing assessments and Mealtime Management Plans at our Balwyn North clinic and at home across Melbourne's east. Call (03) 8849 9795 or make a referral through our NDIS Referrals page.